Ana Acoltzi
ENG 2150
Yitong Ding
March 4,2023
Teachable Moment
It was graduation day for Westinghouse High School, as I was standing on the stage wearing my blue robe and cap; a moment of realization hit me. There was the realization of how everything was truly coming to an end once I reach for my diploma. Everyone in the crowd including me knew this day would eventually come. But, it felt like those four years in high school passed by faster than a blink of an eye. Within those four years there were moments of struggles, failure, tears, heartbreak; but also, self growth and improvement. After receiving my diploma I went back to my seat, and thought to myself that out of everything that happened, there was one thing I was certain about. There was without a doubt, no regrets to my decisions that brought me right into this moment. If I had to go through the same experience again, there’s nothing I would’ve changed even if it was for the better.
The person I was four years ago wouldn’t agree or believe it, but I learned throughout time that everything happens for a reason and on its own pace. But what exactly brought me to think this way? Looking back at those four years, I think it had to do with the fact that I took the risk of going out of my comfort zone. I was always in my own bubble, and until I started high school I was finally able to pop out of it. It was a struggle from the beginning because it was a whole new start for me. Starting with transportation; commuting to school took as long as one hour and twenty minutes. At first, there was a feeling of regret that I agreed on going to a school that was further from the borough I lived. Being in that train felt longer than it probably should, and within every minute that passed I would just to think to myself wether I made the right decision to choose this path. It was like the longer I was in that train the more I was leaving everything I was comfortable with behind. It might appear like it’s not a big deal for others but most of the things I had to do was new to me. But I figured that since I chose to do this I should be able to get used to and get comfortable with, no matter how long it will take. Eventually, I was able to appreciate the time I had in the train. I used it as an advantage by taking the time in there wisely by doing work, or do some self reflecting that made me resolve most of my problems.
However, commuting wasn’t the hardest thing I had to deal with when I started high school. I would have to say that being lonely for a long time, and not knowing anyone was the hardest thing I had to face. Starting school I would usually have someone I know by my side and wouldn’t think of making new friends. Unfortunately, this time I was all on my own and seeing everyone already have someone to talk to made me feel like I was an outsider to their bubble that wouldn’t fit in. But fortunately, that loneliness didn’t last long because I met my friend called Victor. If it wasn’t for him I don’t think I would survive for the rest of the four years in school and to this day I am still grateful for him. We met when I was struggling the most to the point where I was almost going to switch schools just because I didn’t feel like I belonged there. But after meeting him, I noticed that if I keep running away from my problems to find a more secure spot, I would never figure out the journey of starting by myself or knowing how to fully grow out of my bubble that I was so used to. Therefore, I didn’t change school and accepted that I had to deal with the decisions I made, wether it was wrong or right I felt like it was up to me to make it worth it. That’s why I started being more open to other people and noticed that I should’ve done it from the first place. To this day, I sometimes imagine what would’ve happened if I actually switched schools and didn’t decide to face my problems. I have questions like: Would’ve it been better if I switched? Would I learn anything from the outcome? No matter what scenario comes out from my head I wouldn’t change it to what I actually experienced.
Not only was I able to make friends, but also had various of opportunities that the school was able to offer to me carrier wise. Coming to high school I had no idea what career I wanted to do, nor did I have any goals except for passing with good grades. But even so the whole reason why I chose to go to this school was because of the various programs they had to teach and help me on what I wanted to pursue. For example, they had programs in culinary, STEAM, computer science, computer system support, and multimedia. All these programs can prepare me for a potential career that I want to do. I remember that when I was searching for a high school to go to and apply, this one captured my attention the most because I though it would help me discover my potential and increase my skills as well as knowledge. I was indeed not wrong about this because it did exactly that and if I had gotten to any other school I don’t think I would’ve had the same support or motivation to figure out my passion as well as interests. Out of all the programs they had I changed from STEAM to computer system support just to explore the different areas. By the end, I decided to stick with computer system support because in our modern world most of our lives depends on technology, that’s why I wanted to be more knowledgeable in this area. As a result, I was able to build my resume by getting internships and being able to learn more than I could ever imagine including building skills that I would have to use in the future. That’s why I am thankful for the school because it gave me a stepping stone to the world and be ready for something ever greater.
Therefore, when I was stepping in that graduation stage I was confident that I completed my goals and felt satisfied by the end. If I had changed anything from the past I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Deciding to try something new and out of my comfort zone by going to a new school as well as exposing myself to a new environment with new people is something I don’t regret. The decision of trying something new made me appreciate the outcome of the unknown because by the end of it, I was able to create a strong bond with new friends and be able to express myself into greater opportunities.