Senior Destinations

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Ava Taylor Calvin University Sophia Schweisthal

Hope College Mary Krauss Mitch McConnell

COMPILED BY JAMES UNDERWOOD, ’23. GRAPHICS BY DAPHNE BONILLA, ’22; MOLLY HENCH, ’22 AND MEGAN MCKINNEY, ’22. DESTINATIONS COURTESY NORWESTER. IOWA

Arlingtonian regrets any errors. To ensure that destinations are correct in the yearback, please alert Norwester of any inaccuracies, omissions, or updates at romollica@uaschools.org.

Grinnell College Sam Wilson

WASHINGTON

University of Washington Kun Bai MISSOURI

ILLINOIS

Northwestern University Riley Huddleston Rebecca Chen

University of Illinois Sam Cheung Lauren Thompson

Wheaton College Evangeline Turnbull

CALIFORNIA

Stanford University Callia Peterson

University of California, Davis Sophie Esquinas

University of California, San Diego Sarina Ghadiali

University of the Pacific Maja Cvijanovic

OREGON

University of Oregon Ellie Watson

Willamette University Mallory Tolliver

UTAH

Lindenwood University Elizabeth Goth Mollie Sandford

University of Missouri Kennedy Beebe

Washington University Lauren Leff

COLORADO

Colorado State University Taj Vasudeva

University of Colorado Boulder Ruth Chalmers Maddie Spaine Leah Meyer Michigan State University Daniel Goldberg Emme Stephens Ryan Efird Joanna Jepson

University of Michigan Ellie Crespo

Western Michigan University Ian Murphy

INDIANA

Ball State University Avery Jakovlic Grant Overmyer

Butler University Bella VanMeter

Carnegie Mellon University Krish Mawalkar

DePauw University Chase Emmons Emma Morris

Indiana University Jack Diwik Molly Hench Ellie Kessinger Abbey Wood

Purdue University Ameen Abubakr Michael Hansen Rhea Pathak Melanie Whitcomb

Brigham Young University Meg Kheil

University of Utah Samantha Schaefer Ethan Skinner University of Denver Viv Lawless Lily Loudon

KENTUCKY

Saint Mary’s College Bridget Mitchell

University of Notre Dame Zac Yoakam

ENGLAND

London College of Fashion Josh Arnn

Regent’s University London Maria Antonios

GERMANY

AFS Jacob Hartman

ARIZONA

Northern Arizona University Andrew Dunn

SWEDEN US MILITARY

US Air Force Kevin Viernes

US Army Grant Cameron Riley Shimp

TEXAS

Bellarmine University Charles McCarty Chris Reynolds

University of Kentucky Halle Goodwin Bergan Mardas George Sauter Macy Shaffer

University of Louisville Rian Adkins

Sam Houston State University Ally Miller

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi State University Megan McKinney

University of Mississippi Jenna Harold

Stockholm University Ripley Anderson

WALES

Bangor University Madeline Webb Southern Methodist University Gabrielle Phlegar

Texas Christian University Carter Moore

LOUISIANA

Tulane University Brooke Mason

OTHER

Noah Freud Lydia Waldrop

Bowling Green State University Daphne Bonilla Kate Gemperline Rowan Happell Kassi Knight Liz Korte Julia Leve Colin Matyac Drew Palmer Mary Sollinger Annie Swanson

Capital University Adham Hamed

Columbus College of Art and Design Anna Dunsizer Ingrid Lach

Columbus State Community College Max Bailey Connor Bellair Tanner Byrne Joshua Cable Selena Diaz Alyssa Greene Aidan Horan Caylee Jones Hayden Lawyer Jake Pritchett Ava Shy

Cleveland State University Drew Graves

Denison University Hadiya El-Maraghy Nick Heath Kuyper Lashutka Anna Leach Olivia Howe Aida Yoder

Kent State University Kendall Crotty Vincent DiLoretto Jackson Hargett Laine Schooley Wesley Murdick

Kenyon College Alyssa Gest

Miami University Ayden Boothby Ryan Card Anna Carine Avery Catalano Katie Coakley Max Collier Austin Henley Evan Hughes Jillian Kuehn Gigi Mayrer Simon Monnin Eileen Murray Ned Neely Hayley Pool David Pultz Jack Reed Kamryn Rushin Jacob Schneider Nico Sidari Ryan Sommer

Lourdes University Jake Badgeley

Mount Vernon Nazarene University Sophia Hudson Belmont University Kea Corso Maxen Yerington

The Ohio State University Delia Alkhatib Nicholas Ballou Alana Becker Marlie Boiston Luke Bracken Sophia Bruck Tyler Burkhart Antonia Campbell Jordan Clevenger Ethan Colombo Theo Constantinides Caitlin Courtright Katia de Jong Nora Dimitrov Catherine Dolbow Emily DuPont Ty Frederick Alex Gardner Owen Gawel Nikko Gerber Dino Gesouras Lauren Gomez Jodi Green Jennifer Green Jackson Hall Abdallah Abu Hammad Ibrahim Abu Hammad Nick Hammer Mason Huber Ava Hunt Eveline Jiang Nathan Jeoung Anneliese Johanni Kiah Kapoor Nick Karavolos Alec Keller Maya Khelashvili Eleni Kourlas Andrew Lehman Isaac Lute Nathan Mark Reid Martin Dillon McClure Lucy Miller John Mollmann Julia Molnar Frankie Mulligan Natalija Myers Emma Onifer Emily Patko Amanda Peters Andrew Plahuta Summer Powel John Pritchett Jack Purcell Gabby Rancitelli Tyler Reed Paul Renner Sheyma Salman Neila Sarkis Ethan Savar Jonathan Schenk Cam Seecamp Katherine Sethi Malachi Son Brooke Stauffer Larry Stelzer Daley Straub Bella Stummer Brendan Tice Dylan Trent Skylar Trent Isabelle Tzagournis Nathan Varda Aidan Walsh Grant Walter Steven Wang Olivia Westin Evelyn Wu Owyn Young University of Tennessee Ohio University Nolan Adams Abby Reisz Marin Sneed

Luke Anderson Payton Baker Tora Blamer Carter Brock Lauren Buehrle Jimmy Chieffo Evan Combs Quinn Corna Ella Cullen Kyra Dapore Parker Davis Parker Davis Cooper Emerson Andrew Fagen Maddie Fine Fia Gallicchio Natalie Gay Asher Hamilton Eve Hartranft Ella Isenbarger Mollie Kawakami Matt Mchugh Jessie McNamara Payge Miller Sierra Moyer Ryan Myers Ryan Myers Samuel Ozello Jack Tatham Ohio Wesleyan University Paige Merryman Anna Schweisthal Otterbein University Monica Olvera University of Cincinatti Parker Badat Collin Barrett Becca Berk Mary Boehm Camryn Callaghan Ben Culp Jacob Dimon Nick DiPaolo Casey Dounian Luke Frederick Carson Hall Mia Hargraves Ethan Gerhardt Ethan Howe Henry Lao Paige Lively Ryan Markworth Justin Murdick Lucy O’Brien Aidan Oliver Spencer Poor Alaina Smith Isabella Stabile Will Stehle Sophia Tzagournis Emily Vanderhorst University of Dayton Nicholas Ashby Rory Brennan Ashley Gilmour Armando Mastropietro Melanie Robertson University of Findlay Doak Buttermore Tessa Lakatos University of Toledo Amanda Dennis Emma Graver TENNESSEE

LIM College Sydney Moore

Marist College Lauren Olmstead

Pace University Lucy McCabe

Syracuse Univeristy Ava Adamantidis Jamison Ringlien Boston College Caroline Hackett

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Caroline Langmeyer Anna Schuler

Northeastern Univeristy Caroline Campbell Haley Martin

Smith College Evelynn Moberg

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny College Kate Leach

Carnegie-Mellon University Krish Mawalkar

VERMONT

University of Vermont Stella Petras

University of Pittsburgh Nora Diday Tova Stewart

WASHINGTON, D.C.

George Washington University Eva Van Benschoten

NORTH CAROLINA

East Carolina University Ella Devine

North Carolina State University Luke Eriksen

University of North Carolina Matthew Abel

VIRGINIA

University of Richmond Leo Caine Chris Mazzaferri

University of Virginia Rachel Leach

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia University Meghan Inskeep Carley Ware

SOUTH CAROLINA

Anderson University Alexa Marlow

GEORGIA

Georgia Institute of Technology Kyle Baugh Hera Chung Caroline Porterfield

University of Georgia Maddie Sells William Stummer Alexander Wilkins

Clemson University Leah DeCapua Eva Kanchuger

College of Charleston Quin Porterfield Mills Underwood

Furman University Georgia Rehl

University of South Carolina Claire Stoeckinger

ALABAMA

Auburn University

Ella Milburn

FLORIDA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Kate Kershner

Florida State University Sam Cannon

Pilot Training Connor Coyne

Stetson University Maia Starrwalker

University of Florida Claire Lebron

Lipscomb University Kylie Kissler University of Alabama Mia Leahy

Athlete Advice

Senior athletes reflect on their time in UAHS athletic programs.

REPORTING BY CARLY WITT, ‘23.

For some students, one of the most exciting times in high school is when the student body comes together to watch and cheer on UA’s sports teams. The student athletes on these teams have to balance their schoolwork with their training, keep track of their grades and represent their school in the many athletic events and programs UAHS offers. Sacrificing events and time with friends and family to dedicate to their sport, three UAHS senior athletes, football running back Carson Gresock, soccer forward Ethan Howe and swimmer Caroline Ubert, offer advice and share memories regarding their time as high school athletes.

CARSON GRESOCK ETHAN HOWE

Q: How has being a student athlete made an impact on your high school experience?

A: “It has made me feel more a part of the school because of the strong friendships I have with my teammates and also the interest my classmates have in how our team is doing.

Q: What advice would you give other student athletes?

A: “I would tell them that all the stress that comes with balancing school and sports is worth it in the end because of the memories and friends you make.”

CAROLINE UBERT

Q: How has being a student athlete made an impact on your high school experience?

A: “Being a student athlete really helped me learn how to use my time wisely. It also made my high school experience really fun and exciting everyday. [It] helped me keep my grades up too.”

Q: What advice would you give other student athletes?

“Work hard because it’s only four years, and it goes by so fast.”

◀ ATHLETES IN ACTION TOP: Senior Caroline Ubert swims the 100 meter fly at the 2022 Sectional Meet at UAHS. PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINE UBERT

MIDDLE: On Oct. 14, senior Ethan Howe and his teammates on the boys soccer team won their senior night game against Pickerington Central 2-1. PHOTO BY JACK TATHAM, ’22. BOTTOM: Senior and runningback Carson Gresock protects the ball in a home game against Westerville Central PHOTO BY BELLA VANMETER, ’22.

Q: How has being a student athlete made an impact on your high school experience?

A: “As a student athlete, I learned valuable time management skills. Practices are 2-plus hours a day, and learning how to manage practice with school, homework, a good mental health and maintaining relationships was definitely a challenge. Sometimes I had to sacrifice social activities for sleep to perform my best for a morning practice or meet. I missed out on some things I wanted to go to, but in the end, I’m glad I prioritized swimming to be successful and continue it in college.”

Q: What advice would you give other student athletes?

A: “To give themselves enough time to decompress and keep a good mental state. I never performed well when I did not prioritize my health. It’s okay to take a day off or leave early once in a while. Mental health is not something to be taken lightly especially when you are under lots of pressure to perform and maintain good grades, relationships, etc.”

Senior Nights

◀ SOCCER SENIOR On senior night, taking place on Nov. 30, the girls soccer team beat Pickerington North 1-0. Seniors walked across the field with their families, including senior goalie and Tennessee commit Abby Reisz (pictured). PHOTO BY SARAH MCCULLOCH, ’23.

SAY CHEESE ▶ On Oct. 1, varsity B girls tennis senior night, the team played Columbus Academy and won all five courts (5-0). The seniors were given sunflower bouquets and posed for photos with their teammates. PHOTO BY JAYDEN BANKS, ’23.

◀ SEVEN SENIORS The girls volleyball team took on Hilliard Davidson on Oct. 12, where seven UA seniors led the Bears to a 3-0 win. (pictured left to right: seniors Jenna Harold, Sophia Schweisthal, Emma Morris, Evie Sanford, Caitlin Courtright, Chloe Sommers and Macy Medors). PHOTO BY BELLA VANMETER, ’22.

Senior Send Offs

AVA ADAMANTIDIS ELLIE CRESPO

Congratulations Ava! We are so proud of you and excited to see what the future holds for you! Remember, you will always be the glitter glue that holds everything together! Love,

PARKER BADAT

Parker, you have made the most of your time at UAHS - Marching Band, Mock Trial, Arlingtonian, E-Commerce Club, and making good friends. We're most proud of the person you have grown to be. The future is yours! We're here for you always. Watching you become a serious scholar and a confident young woman has been amazing. Now here you are, ready to take on the next chapter of your life with a new inner strength. We could not be prouder. Go Blue! Love,

THEO CONSTANTINIDES

Theo, so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead at OSU! Love you,

LUKE BRACKEN

You have been a true blessing in our lives. We love your laughter and kindness. We are incredibly proud of your achievements, successes and the friendships you made. We can't wait to see what you do next on your journey to OSU! We Love You!

KYRA DAPORE

Dear Kyra, Wow! High School graduation already. We are beyond proud of your accomplishments and are so excited to see what is ahead for you. You are made for great things! Keep embracing life with passion and achieving your goals. Enjoy this moment! Congratulations!!! Love,

ANTONIA CAMPBELL

High school is one of many journeys in life, so go chase your dreams, take risks and opportunities, and never give up Stand by your beliefs and be brave and never stop believing in yourself. We wish you wisdom, adventure, fun and love. Love,

OLIVIA HOWE

Olivia, you have always been such a bright light in our lives. Your smile, kindness and perseverance will serve you well in the future. We are excited to see you shine on! With love and pride,

DALEY STRAUB

Daley - Continue to be you! We can’t wait to see what your future holds. We are very proud of you! Love,

DINO GESOURAS

Congratulations Dino! It’s been a joy to be a part of your fantastic journey! You’re on to new adventures now and we couldn’t be more excited for you. Good luck at The Ohio State University! Enjoy this exciting time in your life! We are so proud of you! Love,

SARINA GHADIALI

Dear Sarina, We are so proud of you: acing AP classes, playing the viola, continuing synchro and tutoring. At UCSD, remember: when you’re mad you can still blame it on Dad, take your time/hurry it up, ruhlax and CC cookies cure anything. We love you!

FIABELLA GALLICCHIO

Fiabella, we are so proud of you! You have worked hard for all of your successes. We are inspired by your determination! Your curiosity, wit and passion for the things you care about will take you far into the next chapter of your life. Love,

LUKE ERIKSEN

You are an extraordinary young man and watching you grow into the person you are is a gift. We are so proud of what you stand for as a son, sibling, friend, teammate, and student. You make the world a better place. We can’t wait to see your success at NC State--the possibilities for you indeed are endless. All our love today and forever,

JACKSON HARGETT

Jackson, we are incredibly proud of you and all of your many accomplishments. We also couldn't be more proud of the kind, thoughtful and amazing young man you have become. You're going to do great at Kent State. Love,

SAM WILSON

We are so proud of the intelligent, passionate, animal-loving individual you have become. We can’t wait to watch the next steps on your journey unfold. Love,

JILLIAN KUEHN

YOU DID IT! And we could not be more proud of you. Your wit, resilience and fortitude carried you through a high school career filled with many twists and turns! We are excited for you to start your next chapter at M.U. and can’t wait to see where life leads you and where you lead life. All our love,

LUCY O’BRIEN

We are so proud of you Lucy! Wishing you all the best with your next chapter. With love,

JACK DIWIK

Jack we are so incredibly proud of you and know there are fantastic things to come for you at IU and beyond! Love

RHEA PATHAK

Dear Rhea, Congratulations! With brains in your head & feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. YOU are the person who'll decide where to go. Oh, the places you’ll go! Love,

EMILY PATKO

Emily, We are so proud of you and all you've accomplished. To see you grow into the beautiful person you are today has been a blessing. Your talents and determination will take you far as you continue your journey at OSU and beyond. Love,

NICO SIDARI

Nico - the world is ahead of you, waiting for you to show it everything you have to offer!! Regardless what it brings, all the turns & hills: believe in yourself & know you are loved & supported....no matter what! Your Girls -

BROOKE MASON

Brooke, we're so proud of your accomplishments and especially of the witty, loyal, compassionate and beautiful person you've become. Always remember to believe in yourself, work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen. Enjoy New Orleans and have fun at Tulane. Thanks for everything!

DYLAN AND SKYLAR TRENT

Congrats Dylan & Skylar- We could not be more proud of you both and are looking forward to your next chapters! #BuckeyeBound Love you to the moon & back -

PETER MILBURN

Congratulations Peter on everything you have accomplished. We could not be prouder of the person you have become. We look forward to the great things ahead at DePaul and beyond. Love,

MILLS UNDERWOOD

Mills, we are so proud of you and who you have become. You are beautiful inside and out and the College of Charleston will never be the same after your gigantic heart and sunny disposition crashes onto their campus. We love you MORE. Always. Meaning more than your sisters. ? Love,

CALLIA PETERSON

Callia, In the words of Maya Angelou, “the horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” We are so proud of you!

OPINION Renewable Nostalgia

Columnist talks about the media that defined her high school experience.

BY LUCY O'BRIEN, ’22.

Being an artist requires constant inspiration. I not only find inspiration through visual arts but any media around me. Listed is the art that I believe best wraps up my high school experience.

LADYBIRD (2017)

A movie held near and dear to my heart, Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” depicts the exact feeling of growing up in a small town and feeling antsy to get as far away as possible. Saoirse Ronan (Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson) and Laurie Metcalf (Marion McPherson) expose the complicated relationship between an 18-year-old daughter and her mother who is struggling with the emotions of her child leaving the nest. The first time I watched this movie was the summer before freshman year. To be honest, I sat down with my mom to watch “Lady Bird” specifically because of Timothée Chalamet; however, I stayed for the personal storyline it entailed. After the closing scene, where Ronan is on the phone with her mom, finally growing past her stubborn teen angst, my mom and I looked at each other and sobbed. I watched this movie right before high school and right at the end. It is the string tying this era of my life together.

AIN’T IT FUN - PARAMORE (2013)

Not many people would find this upbeat Paramore song something you well-up in tears to, but then again, not everyone was on the UA Girls Varsity Field Hockey team in 2020. My junior year of high school, I made the varsity field hockey team, and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t one of my most impactful moments of highschool. It was the first season our team looked more promising, scoring against Bishop Watterson and beating Worthington Kilbourne in overtime. This season set us up for my senior year, where we won our conference and went 13-4-1. But when I reflect on field hockey, I don’t think about the success we had on the field. I think about standing behind the bleachers before the game blasting Paramore’s “Ain’t it Fun,” stomping around and screaming at the top of our lungs, Caroline Campbell throwing in random dubs throughout the song, and emphasizing the lyrics, “Don’t go crying to your mama, ‘cause you’re on your own in the real world”—words extremely bittersweet to listen to right before entering college.

GLEE (2009-2015)

Call it embarrassing, call it cliche, but “Glee” might be the best show ever. I’ve never been someone to get attached to TV shows, but “Glee” is one of the only shows I have been able to rewatch. Ryan Murphy’s writing of quick witty comebacks between characters (especially Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester) makes seasons one and two some of the funniest television I’ve ever watched. Don’t get me wrong, this show has its downsides, between Matthew Morrison’s (Mr. Schuester) rapping to Dianna Agron’s character Quinn Fabray’s absolutely ridiculous storyline of teen pregnancy, and how overall, the show lacks in the actual reality of a high school experience. Nonetheless, it is definitely entertaining, and the soundtrack has some of the best car jam songs that I like to blast with my friends.

TWIN FANTASY - CAR SEAT

HEADREST (RE RELEASE 2018)

Will Toledo’s sixth album, “Twin Fantasy,” was released twice. He began writing the album as a 17-year-old, around the same age I discovered this piece, and re-released it as a 25-year-old. Between the two albums, the sound easily conveys the way Toledo has matured and reflected on the idea of guiding yourself with a devoting love. To be honest, this album couldn't have walked into my life at a worse time. It hit me in the winter of sophomore year, just before the pandemic. The combo of typical teen hormonal emotions and isolation, this album struck me emotionally. The work is frankly depressing yet so incredibly beautiful. Tracks like “High to Death” and “Twin Fantasy (Those Boys)” offer some of the saddest lyrics I’ve heard combined with genius guitar riffs. This album doesn’t only offer sad, slow songs. “Bodys” and “Cute Thing” are songs that make me dance around my room. Finally, track four, “Sober to Death,” is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s upbeat yet emotional and exciting yet catchy; it really is a song that can be listened to in any setting. Toward the end of my senior year, I traveled to Phoenix and had the opportunity to finally witness Car Seat Headrest live. I got to be accompanied by one of my best friends. Hearing these songs live brought a new perspective. It helped me realize how much I have grown past my depression, and I was able to enjoy this music in a new light.

OPINION Sign of the Times

Senior columnists reflect on the music that shaped their high school careers.

BY ANTONIA CAMPBELL, ’22 AND MEGAN MCKINNEY, ’22. GRAPHIC BY MEGAN MCKINNEY, ’22.

Music is powerful in it’s ability to connect, communicate and comfort. In general, I find that we use music to internally cope with our current situation and emotions. Throughout high school, I have experienced many highs and lows. I find that the music I listen to usually matches my emotions in each moment. Depressed? I listen to Frank Ocean. Stressed? I listen to Miles Davis. Relaxed? I listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Excited? Isaiah Rashad. I am always searching for new music that inspires me and helps me communicate how I am feeling. However, sometimes I find myself going back to the comforting basics of my top artists: SZA, Kali Uchis and Tyler, the Creator. Music seems to follow me everywhere I go. No matter what tunes your heart desires, I hope that everyone may experience the joy that music can bring. The possibilities of experiencing music are endless.

Looking back on my freshman year, it was generally uneventful, especially compared to the last couple of years. An aspect of freshman year that I feel I could most relate to is the discomfort that consumes you throughout the year. You’re in high school, yet everyone still thinks with a middle school brain, with judgment and a general lack of empathy. It’s difficult to convince yourself that not everyone is looking at you at all times. My songs from this school year encompass my attempt at remedying that horrendous anxiety I felt. Some soothing Mac DeMarco and Marvin Gaye to calm my nerves along with some powerful Queen and Arctic Monkeys to fuel the small part of me that didn’t want to fit in, the part of me that appreciated that I wasn’t like everyone else.

Sophomore year was when life took an unimaginable turn and when I became a completely different person in what felt like the blink of an eye. Generally unhappy the first half of the year, the pandemic only made things worse yet also provided me with an unmatched gift: the ability to finally slow down. Spring of 2020 allowed me time to think about how I was choosing to live my life. I asked myself many questions. Where were my insecurities rooted? Where was the anxiety coming from? What aspects of my life were making a positive impact, and what was affecting me negatively? I was able to completely shift my way of thinking and reflect. For this reason, I feel that the album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” by Kanye West represents that year since the album was West’s way at the time of reflecting on his career thus far, acknowledging what he had been through and his own wrongdoings, and ultimately, pulling himself out of the hole he had dug for himself.

Junior year for the Class of 2022 was undoubtedly difficult. Arguably the most important year of high school already was topped with a constant fear of COVID-19, inconsistent bell schedules, a deteriorating school and awkwardly silent classrooms and Zoom calls. Life simply felt off. The music I listened to during this time period encapsulates these emotions since I used music to cope with the strange times. Songs like “IFHY” by Tyler, the Creator and “Washing Machine Heart” by Mitski helped me release my pent up sadness and anticipation anxiety while songs like “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift helped me maintain hope that things would feel somewhat normal again soon. And I think in the earlier months of 2021, they did in a way, and we were able to begin again. The healing process was beginning and on top of that, Tyler, the Creator dropped an album that summer, so things must have been looking up, right?

Although I still have a little left, senior year is my favorite year at UAHS. This is not to say that it hasn’t been full of ups and downs and numerous bittersweet “lasts” because it most definitely has, but I’ve made it a priority to enjoy my last year of high school and take in every moment before it’s all over. My songs from this year represent my mental state, with songs like “Useless” by Omar Apollo listened to when coping with a brutal college admissions process, songs like “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” by Taylor Swift to reminisce on my ending childhood and happy songs like “Peaches” by In The Valley Below to enhance my excitement for the next chapter in my life. I’m thankful for every connection I’ve made, breakdowns I’ve had and all the beautiful moments of high school life I’ve experienced that have helped me grow into the person that will walk across the graduation stage in a few weeks.

OPINION Ch- Ch- Ch- Changes

Columnist discusses the change that comes with the end of high school.

BY AVA ADAMANTIDIS, ’22. GRAPHICS BY LUCY O'BRIEN, ’22.

One of the many gifts in my life is the ability to make choices for myself: to choose what I have for dinner, what I do on a Saturday night and what I do after high school. Unfortunately, one thing I cannot choose, or even control, is how things will always change. I often hear people say, “Change is inevitable.” Although I know this is true, I have always chosen not to believe it.

Growing up in UA, I’ve never really had to deal with that much change. The only big transitions I’ve had to overcome were moving from Barrington Elementary School to Jones Middle School and then to UAHS. But suddenly, it’s 2022: the year that I have been hearing about since fifth grade, and the year I never thought would come.

I knew my senior year would be filled with many lasts, and although I have tried to make every moment count, there is always a bitter taste left in my mouth. I find myself getting wrapped up in sadness when I should really be appreciating these final moments in UA and the life changing memories that are about to come.

One concept I have learned throughout my years in high school is that having a positive mindset can completely alter the way you look at the world. So I think to myself, “Why can’t I view change as a positive thing?” I have listened to podcasts, watched YouTube videos and read books on how change is good, but I am still not satisfied. I can say that I have been thankful for some changes—like realizing that mustaches do not belong on clothing and side parts are just not it. But I keep running away from the biggest change I have yet to face: leaving UA.

I can admit that on May 29, the day the class of 2022 graduates, I will be ready to move on. I will know that I have fulfilled my high school life in every way possible. But still, the thought of packing up my whole life and moving somewhere so unfamiliar is unsettling. Leaving the people who have watched me grow into the person I am today just seems wrong. The one thought keeping me going is everyone is dealing with the same eerie feeling. No matter what a person’s plans are after high school, they will experience some type of life change. It’s not my initial reaction to go with the flow when it comes to something uncomfortable, but there is comfort in knowing deep down that everything will work out—maybe not in the way expected, but definitely in a way from which I can learn.

Even in writing this opinion piece, I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I make videos and social media posts for the Arlingtonian religiously, but never in a million years would I have thought that I would be writing a story. I was scared of straying away from a medium where I excel. Writing this helped me change my perspective on myself and my strengths. It feels like my life is turning upside down, but in reality, I am moving forward. Now that I have reflected on how the transition from high school to college will change my life, I have realized that I hate change because I fear change. I am constantly thinking about what I have to lose; I think about leaving my family, my friends and my home.

However, instead of dwelling on present fears, I should live in the moment and open my eyes to how much I am about to gain. I think deep down I’m beyond excited to begin a new chapter, connect with people from all walks of life, learn more about myself while being on my own, and continue my academic journey in a new environment.

Change is inevitable. It’s scary; it’s unpredictable, but it’s necessary. You cannot pick and choose change, but you can choose how you view it.

DEAR MOM

Columnist writes his final review.

BY LUKE ERIKSEN, ’22. GRAPHICS BY LUCY O’BRIEN, ’22.

As the thought of leaving for college looms, I ponder what I’ll be eating next year. I’m not ready to eat like a typical college student with diets consisting of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, pop tarts, ramen, cereal, CLIF bars and hot dogs.

Will I be able to find amazing restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina? Columbus has some of the best food in the world! But there’s still nothing I am going to miss more than my mom’s homecooked meals. After long, exhausting and sometimes low-spirited days, I relished coming home and eating my mom’s dinner. My mom will tell you that my mood is dependent on the food I eat every day, which may sound insane, but that’s how important food is to me. And after coming home from a three-hour basketball practice, there’s nothing better than seeing a savory meal my mom made.

Before college, I tried to learn to make some of her dishes. I wanted to take all of her cooking secrets, her idiosyncrasies and her signature meals with me. I’ve carefully watched her create her piquant meals while I take notes on ingredients and preparation on my phone. When I’m away, I’ll miss it all, but a few meals come to mind. I have my favorites; I’m still a food critic even for my mom.

Her bolognese, to this day, is the best bolognese I have ever had. It takes almost 12 hours to prepare. All day my Mom stirs and adds ingredients. My anticipation builds throughout the day as I anxiously await the sauce that melts like hot butter in my mouth. I make sure that I’m home for dinner if my mom is making bolognese. I don’t care what is going on with my friends that evening; they could be going to a five-star restaurant, going to an Ohio State game or having a party, but it doesn’t matter because I will be home for dinner.

Her taco nights feel like a weekly Cinco de Mayo. I could eat her Mexican food every single day. I can’t imagine I’ll be able to prepare homemade salsa, guacamole, corn salsa, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, Spanish rice and marinated chipotle chicken in my dorm room. My mom’s Mexican food is a blessing and a curse at the same time because it’s better than most Mexican restaurants. Am I really going to downgrade to a cheap Taco Bell on campus? Still, I know going away to college will be good for me, as I need to learn how to not spend $30 at every restaurant.

I’ll miss all of the food my mom has made me. Even the meals I critique because they aren’t my favorite—I’ll miss those too.

Sometimes, I wonder how my mom does it. After a full day of work and errands, she still finds time to make a 5-star meal for the family. How can someone keep that up every day during the week?

I’ll miss eating dinner with the family. I’ll miss learning how to cook. I’ll miss the meals. But Mom, more than anything, I’ll miss you.

◀ LUKE & HIS MOM

Columnist Luke Eriksen poses with his mom.

EDITORIAL

TAKING STOCK

Take a moment to acknowledge the changes we’ve gone through.

BY EDITORIAL BOARD.

Adolescence is known as a time of transition. As students mature beyond childhood and hit life milestones on their way to adulthood, the popular narrative holds that to be a teen is to be suspended in constant change and turmoil.

For UAHS students in 2022, that popular narrative applies even more. Think of the changes we’ve faced in just the past year. We’ve said goodbye to a beloved building and acclimated ourselves to a brand new one. Our community is redeveloping and reinventing itself. We’ve come out of a global pandemic. And so it’s not just us who have changed; it’s our everyday world, too.

In the face of all this change, it can be easy to buckle down and cling to the past, resisting change. We may want things to stay how they are—how we are comfortable with them. But the changes that face us, no matter where we are in our UAHS journey, challenge us only to make us stronger. Change isn’t bad; it’s just different.

That said, the whirlwind of change we’ve been caught up in can be hard to grapple with. So no matter where you are in your UAHS journey—whether you’ve just finished your mostly masked freshman year or you’re a senior about to leave the bubble and venture off into the world—take a moment to take stock. Acknowledge your feelings of nervousness or apprehension at change. Acknowledge the difficulties of the past few years. Acknowledge your resilience. You’ve come this far. And as summer starts and a new year approaches, you’ll go farther still.

R.I.P. LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEBEDIAH 2021-2021 “God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”