Hello! My name is Patrick Park, and I am currently a senior at Quartz Hill High School. This is my third and final year in Journalism. It feels weird to say those words. I never truly understood what it meant when someone said, “Time flies.” However, it honestly seems like time has flown by. In terms of what I am doing right now, I am busy preparing for my college applications and a final SAT run. Most of the colleges I will be applying to will not be considering SAT scores as part of student applications; however, this is just a personal goal I would like to achieve. Furthermore, I am currently taking IB courses, so the main goal is finishing strong.
A lot has changed since last year. For one thing, we have physically returned to school. Although we are required to wear masks, I still feel this is a better way of learning than conducting classes online for me personally. Granted, online classes are undoubtedly more comfortable than in-person learning. But in the larger spectrum of things, in-person learning is a better option for everyone. I am still debating whether or not to join swimming this year due to concerns for my family members. Although I want to, my concern for my family members outweighs the pros of swimming. Besides that, there is nothing much going on in my life. I believe right now is just a time to get back into the flow of things.
See you next time!
4.29.22 Update
“All good things must come to an end.” I’ve never thought about this quote during my time at high school until now because it felt like there were never any “good things” that would end. Tests, homework, and projects all felt like chores, and I never wanted to do them. Yet, I never realized how much fun I had spending time with my friends doing projects and studying for tests.
This is most likely the last time I will be giving an update on my life. So how am I doing? I am in a weird place. It feels like I’m at school, but at the same time, I’m not. The dread I once had of taking a final exam or an AP test is now gone. Each moment seems meaningful instead of a passing leaf in the wind. My world is still my world; it just feels a bit surreal. I think it’s because of the realization of where I’m at. The four years of high school that I thought would never end have finally ended.
I have also recently committed to UCLA’s Civil Engineering program, and I am more than excited to start. However, my brain has not accepted any of this, mainly because I am a senior who will graduate from Quartz Hill and then go to a university. It just feels weird. There’s no other way to describe it. Throughout my four years of high school, I have never felt this way before. It is a mixture of sadness and excitement, but these are two polar opposite emotions that make it challenging to find an even ground.
In conclusion, you could say I’m doing well, just getting used to this new idea that I am now going to become a college student. Well, that is all for now. Thank you for listening to me throughout this journey, and I hope you will see your dreams come true.
