Graduating high school is something you’ve looked forward to for years, but when it finally happens, it’s a strange feeling. You’re excited for what’s ahead, but at the same time, you’re saying goodbye to a chapter of your life that has been a huge part of who you are.
Looking back, I can honestly say I really enjoyed high school. One of the best parts of high school was the friendships I made, and I was lucky to have a great group of friends. Some of my favourite memories weren’t even in the classroom, but in the conversations between classes, at school events, and in just spending time together every day. Those friendships made high school a place I looked forward to going.
After graduation, a group of us went on a grad trip to Fairmont, B.C. It was the perfect way to celebrate everything we’d accomplished together before everyone started heading in different directions. It reminded me how important it is to enjoy the moment because life changes quickly. While we’ll all be busy with new schools, jobs, and opportunities, those memories are something I’ll always carry with me.
Graduation also marked the beginning of a new chapter outside of school. Right after finishing high school, I started my own painting company called Union Paint. Starting a business at 17 wasn’t something I had originally planned, but it’s already taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership, communication, and taking initiative. It’s exciting to build something that’s my own while also preparing for my next step in education.
This fall, I’ll be starting the Business Administration program at SAIT . I’m looking forward to learning from experienced instructors, meeting new people, and gaining knowledge that I can apply to both my future career and the business I already run. I know post-secondary will be a different experience than high school, and while I’m excited, I also have a few nerves about balancing school, work, and everything else that comes with becoming more independent.
This October, I’ll also be turning 18, which makes this season of my life feel even more significant. In just a few months, I’ve graduated high school, started a business, will begin college, and will officially become an adult. It’s a lot of change in a short amount of time, but it’s also exciting because it feels like the beginning of so many new opportunities.
If I could give one piece of advice to students entering their final year of high school, it would be not to rush it. It’s easy to focus on graduation or getting accepted into a program, but your last year goes by much faster than you think. Go to the games, attend school events, spend time with your friends, and make memories. Those moments are just as important as your grades because they’re the ones you’ll remember years later.
As I look ahead, I don’t have every part of my future planned out—and I don’t think anyone really does. What I do know is that I’m excited for what’s next. High school gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the confidence to take on new challenges. Whether it’s growing Union Paint, studying at SAIT, or seeing where life takes me after that, I’m grateful for where I’ve been and excited for where I’m going.
