Coalescence

Junior year has been a year of comings-together. Activities in which I have partaken for all of high school (and sometimes earlier) have begun to culminate. They are not drawing to a close, per se, but I am noticing that achievements are becoming larger, and the end is in sight. For Young Democrats, for instance, I can now predict the majority of the upcoming year. I know how the rest of my time in KYA will play out. I know (ish) what my mentoring project will be. In this regard, junior year has been immensely satisfying.

I have also focused more intently on the activities I enjoy and less intently on those I do not. I’ve largely ended my competitive speech and debate career, instead channeling my energy into environmental and political causes. My interests are clearer now than ever before.

One final note: I strive to avoid the word “busy” when describing my year. It has been a big year, with extensive obligations and a considerable work load, but such is the natural trajectory of my education. I do not resent the time demands or the discipline required; I recognize that this “busyness” produces not only success in college admissions/scholarships but more important and more deeply, immense personal growth.