It's over faster than you think

“HEY! Move over! I’m trying to watch the game!”

 

I hear it every game. Most of the time from parents. Some of the time from students. Some of the time from fellow SENIORS. It’s weird.

 

I only bring this up to attention because where I come from; it was something that people did without question. It was something that was a high school tradition. It was something that I looked forward to doing since I went to Ferndale High School basketball games.

I looked forward to being in the “blue crew” for my high school team, no matter the sport.

 

I loved to go to football games. I went to volleyball games, baseball games, and even some track meets. I wanted to be involved. I wanted to cheer on my fellow high school students when they played the sport that they loved to do it. And I love it when my fellow students come to cheer me on when I play the sport that I love.

 

But now, it is senior year. This is THE LAST time I will ever get to cheer on Trevin Parks. This is the last time I will ever be able to cheer on the sophomore who dunks. This is the last time I will get to jump around hysterically when the best play or the worst call happens.

 

This is the last time to be a high school student.

 

Soon, my fellow seniors, we will be off to great things. Whether it is going to the University of our choice, skipping a year and traveling around, or simply following our dreams, we are leaving this little town called Hickory in North Carolina. And it’s coming faster than most people realize.

 

Seniors, we have 4 home games left. 9 games overall. Second semester is starting in a week.

 

Who doesn’t realize this?

 

I know that the letters are coming in for some of you and when you read the acceptance/denial, remember that you are that much closer to leaving this place.

Sure some of you will go back, see the homecoming game or senior night or whatever. But you won’t be a STUDENT anymore. You will officially be alum. Do you not understand? It’s almost over.

 

So here I sit, confused and asking myself why nobody cheers in the student section. Why no one gets pumped at the fact that Trevin Parks and Patrice Baptista are sinking threes all over the place and breaking records and milestones. Why no senior will even stop yelling at the only senior who is really trying to support his team for the last couple times in his life.

 

I’m sorry for standing in your way. I really am.

But there are plenty of seats around the gym that are higher and can easily see over us.

 

Take advantage of them if you want.

 

Or come down and enjoy front row seats. Jump around. Have fun.

 

Because it will only last for so long.