Dylan Schnepf ’14,

Staff Writer

Once upon a time I was a goony, metal-mouthed, mangled mess.

Then I got my braces off and the gooniness only slightly subsided.

I have definitely seen an evolution, in my worldview, my friend group and ability to make it up as I go.

Also, appropriately juxtaposed with the above mentioned, I have seen a devolution of my inclination to panic, naivety, and of course my R.E.M. sleep.

I am outwardly a polarizing-ly different person since I first sported a paw-printed polo.

I have grown, physically, emotionally, spiritually, economically, stylistically, and other adverbs.

I feel like Dorothy after she was concussed by the violent winds of the tornado:

Everything is colorful and I’m surrounded by dancing little people with high voices

Just kidding Freshmen, but seriously.

All I’m saying is that stuff was done and fun was had since I entered the gym doors.

I entered this edifice of education an ecstatically eager, elementary ex-student.

It is cliché to say that these four years fly by, but it is true

I feel like Marty McFly

Now that I must say so long, farewell, au wiedersehen, goodbye, it’s getting so real it’s unreal

It is truly bittersweet to no longer wander the halls of this school with a feigned awareness

But it is time to breathe the last breath of that crisp Nouvel air

Now I must leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye,

goodbye.

Towards the end of your secondary tenure, your life becomes an interrogation.

Questions befall you at every corner.

Conversations start with: “Oh you’re a senior?” Followed by: “What are you doing for college?” and “What do you wanna be?”

You recite your developed response, disclaimer and all, which ends up sounding like: “Well, I’m not really sure yet, but I plan to…”

You also have to deal with the dreadful farewells from teachers that may or may not sound sorta like: “ Oh golly gee, you’ve sure blossomed into a beautiful butterfly since I first had you.” Or maybe “Hey, just between you and me, you were my favorite student *winky face*” Or even: “What is the square root of negative one?”—wait, Math, how did you get in my article? And as for the question, um I don’t know imaginary?—“Just  like your dreams.” :’-(

Finally, you’re the ultimate round of awkward conversation involves your parents/legal guardians/older relatives which sounds something like “It’s so gosh darn hard for you kids these days, with the economy the way it is. I remember when gas was a nickel…” and then they proceed to dive into a seemingly irrelevant story about the “uninteresting” past, which you may not appreciate the true value of until you yourself reach the mountain top.

In the end, here’s what really matters. A great man just said “life can be planned, but not predicted.” I am probably not the best person to give out advice on pretty much anything, but I can share my feelings, and you can decide what sticks with you. You have to bock out all the excess noise and listen to your heart.. I know (This is starting to sound like a Disney song, but the point is that You are on now on your way to be the You you’re supposed to be. You’re legally an adult, or at least almost an adult, which means that new responsibilities, new obstacles, and new opportunities. But also New Adventures! Like taxes and home ownership! Seize the day, my friend, because you only get about 29,220 of them.

To view the 2014 Senior Issue Click the Media tab!