By Gracie Herring, Digital Media Specialist

Neuse News & Magic Mile Media

Senior year is what most kids look forward to their whole lives. The year when you finally feel on top, but it’s also the time you look back and take in everything you've been taught for the past 13 years. It is a bit overwhelming already - now add a global pandemic. I don't know what I was expecting but I am almost positive this was not it. 

I have spent most of 2020 conflicted and confused when it comes to how COVID-19 has completely shifted the path of our year. Most of my friends were a part of the Class of 2020, so not only was I upset for them but I was also upset that the final memories we could've made in high school were cut short.

While trying to understand the pain of my friends who were preparing to graduate, I tried not to think about the possibility that my own senior year could also look way different than what it’s supposed to. I didn’t even want to talk about how screwed up the year I’ve waited my whole life for was about to be.

When I was little my uncle was in school at North Lenoir, which is also where my mom graduated from, so I grew up knowing The Swamp was a special place. Now that I have spent 3 years walking through the halls, taking pictures at the bricks, and losing my voice at football games with the Krazees, I’ve been able to see just how special it really is.

Think about it, you go to a basketball game on a Tuesday and you’re surrounded by your best friends while you cheer for the ones on the court. You walk to your car every day with your best friends. You create unbreakable bonds with your favorite teachers and you might even eat lunch with them on your bad days. For some, the school you go to could become a major comfort zone without you even realizing it. At some point, all of those things have to come to an end and all of a sudden things may not feel as comfortable anymore.

My whole life I’ve heard “It goes by so fast!” and I always knew I’d realize just how fast it really went when it’s too late for time to slow down. There aren’t many things I love more than being in the student section with all of my Krazees on game night…the energy fuels my soul.

To be completely honest, I love my school. I absolutely have no shame in shouting to the rooftops just how much I enjoy being a Hawk. Knowing my last year at the place I call home is going to look a little different is sad. 

To this year's seniors, we can and we will overcome the battles we are faced with this upcoming year. There will be trials we’ll be faced with but don’t forget about the many triumphs to follow. We are strong. We are resilient. We are the Class of 2021.