Goodbye to What Was, Hello to What’s Next

As I’m in my final weeks of high school, there have been several lasts—last practice, last team dinner, last school picture day, and so much more. The saying “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” has continued to stay in the back of my mind. By far, the hardest goodbye has been to my high school track team—the countless hours spent at meets, and the blood, sweat, and tears that went into practices over the past four years. It’s something I haven’t thought about living without since the first day of practice freshman year. From coming home after that first practice, filled with excitement for the future, to holding hands with my fellow seniors during our final senior lap—it’s been a journey that shaped not just my high school experience, but a part of who I’ve become.

This season of my life feels a lot like spring. There are so many new beginnings, like flowers blooming, but these new, wonderful things can’t occur without saying goodbye to others—like the rain that is needed to allow the plant to grow.  

As hard as it is to let go if there is one thing I’ve learned throughout track is don’t be afraid of the uncomfortable because that’s where growth and magic happens.

I’ve felt that discomfort many times. Whether it was pushing through a grueling workout, standing on the starting line with shaky nerves, or picking myself back up after a disappointing race, those moments weren’t easy. But they taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep showing up, even when it was hard. Track taught me that progress isn’t always loud—it’s often found in the quiet moments of discipline when no one’s watching.

I’ve also learned the power of community. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my teammates, coaches, and friends who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who want to see you win—who push you to be better, and cheer you on through every high and low. To them, I’m endlessly grateful.

As I look ahead, I know this next chapter will bring new challenges and unknowns. But just like I did on the track, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. I’ll carry with me everything this team and this journey has taught me: to be brave, to embrace change, and to always keep striving.

Because this isn’t the end—it’s just a new starting line.

As hard as it is to let go, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t be afraid of the uncomfortable—because that’s where growth and magic happen.

That lesson didn’t just come from sports. It came from every late night spent studying, every awkward first day, every time I pushed myself to do something new. Growth happens in the moments we want to avoid—the ones that feel unfamiliar, uncertain, and sometimes even a little scary. But looking back, those were the moments that shaped me the most.

And I know I’m not alone in feeling this. Everyone has their own version of a track team—something they poured themselves into, something that became part of their identity. For some, it might be a club, a creative passion, a group of friends, or even a place that felt like home. Letting go of something meaningful is never easy. But it’s proof that it meant something.

This time of life—whether you're graduating, changing paths, or just standing at the edge of something new—feels a lot like spring. Things are shifting. Parts of ourselves are being left behind to make space for growth. It's both exciting and a little heartbreaking.

But if we’ve made it this far, we can keep going. The past doesn’t disappear just because the season changes. It becomes part of our roots, part of the reason we’ll bloom wherever we’re planted next.

So whether you're saying goodbye to a school, a team, a routine, or a version of yourself—you’re not alone. Hold on to the good, let the hard moments teach you something, and know that what’s ahead might just surprise you.

Because endings are really just beginnings in disguise.