Student learns to thrive in a leadership role

take the right course of action to lead the best I can.

I have always looked to those who came before me as shining examples of what to do, but no matter what I tried, I felt that I felt that something was missing or that I was not good enough.

I really was missing something about my leadership, but it was the way people saw me.

BEN STAVNEZER feature editor

Throughout my life, I have struggled with the quest for perfection in what I choose to do, ranging from homework to extracurriculars.

I could spend so much time on a project that I fall behind on even more important tasks.

Yet in life, I still wanted to make a change, maybe take on new responsibilities, but was too afraid to fall short.

Things do not always happen as I want them to, and despite my lack of confidence in myself, I inherited leadership roles in my activities.

In leadership, I struggled with how to present myself to others or skin. The sound of rain. Looking at the stars. Little things are something to live for. Although I have good friends, sometimes it felt like they did not care about what I was going through or did not recognize how difficult it was, but it is important to recognize that everyone is going through their own battles and navigating their way through this journey of life. Sometimes we may not know how to support one another or not know how to help them. However, we have to learn to be there for each other and not be so selfish all of the time. Friends are something to live for and provide the support we may need.

We all want to make an impact on the world, but looking at the big picture and wanting to leave a physical legacy is all too common. The thing that I have learned over my time collaborating with others, from band to speech and debate, is that being myself is better than putting on an identity for someone else’s benefit.

Over time, being yourself will have a much greater impact on the people around you, who are the legacy and the change that you thought only yourself could have on the world. When you follow a leader, you really do not tend to think about how they are making an impact on you.

I have learned that maybe selfconfidence is not about perfection, but is more really more about self acceptance and caring about making a difference to the people around you means more than aiming to affect the world.

During senior year, so much is happening at once. Time goes by so fast, yet at the same time it feels like the school year will never end. High school is ultimately preparing us for going out into the real world. It is scary. It is overwhelming. But it is also so, so exciting.

I am going into college with an undecided major. While this fact does cause a great deal of stress for me, I am looking forward to finding out what it is I am passionate about in college, and am looking forward to all of the people I am bound to meet. Your future is something to live for.

Life is hard. A lot of the time it sucks. So, my advice is to find the things that bring you fulfillment in life. It could be something small, something that seems insignificant. And that is okay.

I have learned the things that I live for. I may be unsure of so many things, but I am sure that I, and you who are reading this, have so much to live for.

STELLA POWERS trends editor

A lot of my high school career has been focused on my involvement in Drama Club, Choir and the staff of The Wooster Blade

Recently, I have experienced many last performances and final goodbyes.

I have never been great at saying goodbye. As wonderful as something new can be, I cannot stand the idea of giving up the things and people that I love.

However, with the scary, yet exciting transition into the next chapter, there are some sacrifices.

On May 4, I had my final choir performance at WHS. When sitting backstage with my fellow seniors, I was amazed that I did not shed a single tear.

That did not last long.

The moment I walked that stage for the first time that night and saw everyone, the emotion hit. I realized that this would be the last time I would get to sing in this space, with this group, under the direction of Mrs. Mason, the greatest choir director and mentor I could ever have asked for. It was a night filled with celebration, reflection and many tears. In March, I took my final bow with the WHS Drama Club. Having been a part of this program since eighth grade, I have grown up from the shy, insecure kid into who I am now with this group. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and for that I am forever grateful. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to grow as not only a performer, but also as a person, under the direction of Mr. Hiner.

My time with The Wooster Blade has not yet come to an end; however, this column, in a sense, serves as my goodbye. I am eternally grateful for the relationships I have formed, the skills I have learned, and the guidance and wisdom from Mrs. Hiner.

If I have learned anything from my time at WHS, it is to appreciate every moment and not take the little things for granted. Every moment is special. Take a moment and appreciate those around you, life goes by faster than you think.