There's Always a Flight Back Home

Being a senior this year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting over my past moments. I still remember my first time boarding a plane to Nebraska, in third grade. I experienced all of the predictable emotions; excitement of trying something new, the rush of the plane taking off, and the unreplicated feeling of being in the air, knowing a new adventure is just on the other side. But what I remember most about this trip wasn’t the flight or the trip itself- it was the fact that when I landed back home, I knew it was still there.

Now, as I am preparing to move off to college, I find myself boarding a different kind of flight this time. This is one that will take me away from the life I’ve known to be mine. This one takes me into a future that is just as exhilarating as it is terrifying. While most things about my future are unknown, one thing that I know; I will not regret it.

High School was my “runway”; I learned how to take off, to chase opportunities that presented themselves, even the ones I found terrifying. I remember first interviewing for an officer position- I wasn’t sure I was ready for it, but I took the chance and ran anyway. I remember the nerves before stepping into the interview room, the situation seemed larger than I was ready to handle. But I also remember the moments after. Walking out of the interview room I felt so confident and excited. That was the moment I realized that the leaps of faith taken, were the most defining part of my journey. If there is one thing that high

school has taught me, it is that fear is an awful reason to say no to an opportunity.

So, as I prepare to leave for college, I realize that the experiences I’ve had weren’t just passing moments; they were pieces of home, that I will take with me wherever I go. Home isn’t just a place, its the lessons, people, and skills you gain along the way. So, just say yes; say yes to the opportunity or dream. One thing I challenge you to take into consideration while weighing opportunities is; no matter how far you go, no matter how many flights you take into new opportunities, you can always find a flight back home.