While I’ve written thousands of words describing the latest news stories, relentlessly arguing for my beliefs in editorials, and sharing my opinions on the latest movie or song release, I’ve only ever written one column that wasn’t for an assignment. I might excel at telling other people’s stories, but I definitely struggle at sharing my own, so I’d like to express my gratitude for what the last four years at Millard South have gifted to me by comparing each one to something that has been there for me every step of the way: music.
Freshman year: Ballad of a Homeschool Girl by Olivia Rodrigo.
The song explores the feelings associated with not fitting in, feeling like everything you do is wrong, and the overall awkwardness that comes with interacting with new people. In my freshman year, I really did feel like I was “on the outside of the greatest inside joke.” I had no idea what I wanted to get out of my high school experience, and I was too scared to truly explore what Millard South had to offer. While I was nervous to step out of my comfort zone, freshman year wasn’t all bad. The classes I took during this time introduced me to some of the people I now call my closest friends, and they have supported me throughout this journey.
Sophomore year: Girl, so confusing by Charli XCX & Lorde.
This song explores how comparison can create feelings of insecurity in people, and especially focuses on the struggles women face in navigating friendships and societal pressure. I won’t lie, I honestly think I’ve blocked most of sophomore year from my memory because of the trauma associated with AP Physics, but I do remember that I definitely struggled a lot with comparing myself to others. This year was full of discovering myself, creating a domino effect that allowed me to lay the groundwork for my future, as I took Intro to Journalism, igniting my passion for writing.
Junior year: brutal by Olivia Rodrigo.
There is something about the age of 17 that only Olivia Rodrigo can truly capture in lyrical form. This song dives into the anxiety associated with feeling like you aren’t making the most of the teenage “golden years.” I felt similarly, so junior year is when I finally began putting myself out there and exploring what Millard South had to offer. I finally began getting involved as I wrote my first pages in the newspaper, began volunteer work through the NHS, helped plan prom, and more. I finally felt like I had my place amongst my peers as I took advantage of Friday night lights and created hundreds more memories throughout the year.
Senior year: Ribs by Lorde.
This song is a senior year classic for a reason. Lorde perfectly captures the nostalgia associated with one’s final year in the place they’ve known for so long. It’s true what they say about high school flying by you without even realizing it. This year has certainly been a rollercoaster, but overall, I would certainly say that it has been filled with some of the best memories of my entire life. From becoming a state champion journalist to Chipotle dinners with my closest friends, I feel as though I’ve become an entirely new person over the last nine months alone. I’ve definitely been “laughing till my ribs get tired” throughout this entire year, and I’m beyond thankful for the opportunities I’ve been presented with, such as serving as Common Sense’s editor-in-chief.
Overall: Someone New by Hozier.
I think the most important thing about music is that every person has a different interpretation of the lyrics the artist presents, and for me, this song represents the beauty in finding the good in every person you meet. Millard South has given me the chance to meet hundreds of people, form new connections, and find some of the most important people in my life. Being a member of Common Sense has allowed me to discover the stories of so many students and learn so much about my community. Not every experience I’ve had has felt positive in the moment, but from each one I’ve discovered more about myself and been able to grow as a person. I want to thank every single person who has shaped me into the person I am today, especially Mrs. Kaldahl and everyone else on the newspaper staff who have given me the confidence to share my passion for writing. I truly couldn’t be more grateful for the last four years here, and it is certainly bittersweet for me to say goodbye. Thank you, Millard South and Common Sense <3.
