Senior year is here!!!

Senior year is now

These past eleven years

Have gone by fast

I often hear stories of success

Of those who got into UCs

But I also hear stories

From the rejected unfortunates

 I hope I succeed

In getting to the college of my choice

But somewhere in my mind

 

I seriously doubt that

My grades aren’t superb

My extra circulars aren’t noteworthy

My personality isn’t outstanding

College application deadlines are coming soon

I’m all ready and done

Except… For what

Can make or break my application

 

My personal statement

The chance to show them who I really am

My chance to shine

Except, I do not know

If I can shine at all   

Like I said

My grades aren’t superb

My extra circulars aren’t noteworthy

My personality isn’t outstanding

What do I have

To enhance my application?

 

I talk about change

Because I have changed

From my crybaby preschool years

To my socially awkward elementary and middle school years

To my new found personality in high school

High school has changed me

Given me important friends

Opportunities, experiences, lessons

I was fortunate

My high school was an open and diverse environment

But change

Is that all I have to say about myself

 

Out of the 3 years I’ve been here

Is change all I have to go on?

When I look back

I see change

But what else have I done?

Will college be like this too?

Change is forever

I will continue to change

But how much will I change?

How much will I have accomplished?

 

My grades weren’t superb

My extra circulars weren’t noteworthy

My personality wasn’t outstanding

I have changed

For the better

But is it good enough

To just change?

 

My family

My friends

My community

My opportunities

My experiences

Have all helped me be

Who I am today

But what makes me different

From THOUSANDS of others

Who have gone the same path as me?

 

I feel insignificant

I feel small

I feel unvalued

Unappreciated

Unnoticed

Invisible

How do I stand out?

How do I shine?

 

Senior year

The year everyone looks forward to

The year everyone dreads

The time in our lives

We let go of the old

And embrace the new

But rather than black or white

Taking the left path or the right path

The fork road becomes a tree

With many branches

Many paths

 

If I do succeed

If I do get into my dream UC

What then?

Acceptance is just the beginning

Do I have the perseverance

To excel in college?

 

Then I think

Of life beyond college

Career

Love

Family

Grandchildren

It’s scary to think

It’s scary to plan

 

Senior year

I have mix feelings

I want to leave

Yet I want to stay

I want this comfortable feeling

Yet I want to take risks and explore

 

I think for now

I’ll focus on having my teachers

Examine my personal statements

And I’ll deal with acceptances and rejections

After I click submit

But I pray to God

I get accepted

And I pray to God

The rejection won’t hurt

As much