I grew up on a steady diet of Disney Channel shows where high school was the pinnacle of any person’s life. Throughout elementary and middle school, I anxiously waited for the day I could first call myself a “high schooler.”

While I knew high school wasn’t going to be like TV, I still held some of those expectations. While I wasn’t expecting any choreographed dance numbers, I planned for school dances and my sports seasons for all four years. Then, those expectations I’d taken for granted were shattered.

Though my expectations were not met, I am grateful for the opportunities I was able to have. My four years at South were what I made of it, regardless of the world around me. While I might have missed out on some stereotypical activities, I found what I loved doing. Without expectations my “high school experience” became something I wanted and is unapologetically me, not the ideas of a writer’s room in 2010.

Edge, I would not be who I am without the guidance you have offered. To my parents, thank you for everything. And to my friends, you listen to my rants about books and deal with me being asleep by 10 p.m. every night. I love you all dearly.