01/10/22

Dear High School,

We have been together for a long time. It’s not easy to tell you this, but I have been thinking a lot lately and I don’t think this is going to work out. It’s not you, it’s me, and if you want me to be honest…there is someone else. You don’t know them, but I’m sure you have heard their name before. It’s college.

It’s not that I don’t still love you, because I do. It’s just that college looks so much more exciting. A new place, new experiences, new friends, can you blame me?

Over the past four years you have built me up and tore me down over and over again. With all the drama we faced and countless nights of losing sleep over assignments, I thought you hurt me. But you didn’t hurt me, you made me stronger. You taught me drive and dedication. You showed me that no matter how hard you try, you can’t always make everyone happy, but hard work will pay off. High school is about more than just SAT scores and completing assignments. It’s about being kids while we still can, making mistakes and learning from them, finding out who we are, and making friends that will be in our lives forever. 

I will always treasure the memories we had together. Remember that one time when I almost burnt down the field house because I accidentally put aluminum foil in the microwave? Or the times my team and I went to the state championships for basketball and track? Even just drawing on Coach Erik’s white board, I will never forget the memories we made here.

I know it will be hard to leave you, but don’t worry—I’ll be back soon. I just think we are at two different spots in our lives right now. Besides, you will find someone new soon. There are plenty of fish in the class of 2026. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, but I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life. Anyway, we can still be friends, right?

Love,

Nikole Cosentino and the Class of 2022