Many students remember their first day here as a sophomore. Many remember the way they got lost while looking for their classes and how they had no clue how to open their locker. When taking in the sights of the school, they wonder how they were going to survive in this place for three years. Who knew that time can fly so fast?

In a few weeks, the class of 2016 will be saying their farewells to not only their classmates and teachers, but to the life they knew inside the school’s walls. Many seniors have different reactions when leaving the school; while some are eager to experience the life ahead of them, others feel sentimental about saying their goodbyes.

As a senior myself, I do have to say that there are many things I’m going to miss when I leave. The friends that have stood by my side, since the first time walking through those doors, have made a huge difference between an okay school year and a great one. In addition, the classes that I have taken have definitely made an impression on me and I have found myself gaining a lot from them.

Not to mention that there have been a lot of good memories when thinking about this place. While there were some days that were better than others, there have been some bright moments that many of us look back on, whether they happened in the school or somewhere else during that time.

“Competition day was really fun senior year,” senior Juliana Caporuscio said. “It was our last year, it was crazier than the years before, and I was with my best friends.”

On the other hand, many students are desirous for the weeks to fly by and to experience the many fun events that are coming up soon. With the picnic, prom, and the commencement right around the corner, it is hard for seniors to think about anything else at this point.

“I’m really excited for graduation and the senior all night party,” senior Luc Fluent said, “because it will be the last time that all of our friends are together in a school function.”

Either way, many students learned many useful skills and tactics to prepare for the future. After 12 or more years of school, most are anxious to venture out in the world of adulthood; however, some teachers and staff do have some advice for the upcoming graduates.

“Don’t be in too much of a hurry,” principal Tom Lietz said. “I think we rush you all way too much. The idea that at 17 or 18 years old, you should know what you want to do for the rest of your life is absolutely insane; and no one wants to drag out college or do any of that, but I think you got to let things happen.”

A handful of seniors would agree that after this year, there will be some big changes heading our way. Most students will be going down their own path and will be experiencing many more adventures coming their way.

“I plan to attend Oakland University,” senior Alyssa Petruski said. “I will be commuting just to save some money and I plan to enter the nursing program.”

I heard many people over the summer say that senior year was going to be a fun year. When thinking about the people I’ve met, the classes I’ve taken, and the trips I’ve been on, I couldn’t agree more. I would like to thank my classmates and teachers for making my experiences at Utica a great one and I wish all of the seniors luck for the future.