High School’s Hidden Lessons

Often teenagers believe that they are the center of the universe, and pay little attention to others.

It was on April 20, 1999 that I realized I needed to value my friend’s more because, like Columbine, they can be taken away in a second.

Often teenagers believe that once they hit high school, that they are all grown up and know everything.

It was my sophomore year, when my brother left for college that I had to become independent and make decisions on my own without running to his side.

Often teenagers believe that they are too young to lend a helping hand to others.

It was in my junior year, when I turned 17 that I began giving blood regularly.

Often teenagers believe that it is not “cool” to be close to family and spend time.

It was at the end of my junior year when my Dad accepted a job in Washington, D.C., that I realized how special he is in my life, and now he could be missing part of it.

Often teenagers believe that they are untouchable by society.

It was in my senior year that the most horrific act of terrorism took place in New York and Washington, D.C., that took many innocent people from their families and made me realize how truly precious life and freedoms are.

Often teenagers believe they don’t learn anything valuable in their high school years.

It is now in my senior year that I have come to realize how much I have grown and learned.

-Allison Cianci