High school is quite comparable to our first ever one mile run in middle school gym class. A high school
career is comprised of four years just as one mile is equivalent to four laps around a track. The process
of completing high school and the mile run varies on an individual basis and many different tactics are
used to reach the ultimate goal. Both are accomplishments that require a strong foundation of skills in
order to successfully complete the daunting challenge. Each of the four laps pushes runners in a new
way just as each year of high school has shaped every student in a beneficial manner.
The first lap is perhaps the most vague and difficult to calculate. Runners do not know what lies ahead.
They are nervous about the unknown. They misjudge the pace they should run at, either sprinting or
briskly walking when the timer begins. They think about what could go wrong or possible circumstances
where they might embarrass themselves. This first lap reveals the uncertainty and uneasiness each
individual feels. Freshman year of high school was much the same. Having no previous experience,
freshmen entered the high school in a cautious manner. Our only goals were to avoid confrontation with
the upper classmen and to find our classes without getting lost. We entered the building tentatively
hoping that we selected the classes that best fit our academic abilities. Yet, our spirit and attitude were
both already defined. While doubtful thoughts lingered over our heads, we were fully equipped to
succeed in the high school environment. Our willingness to learn and to expose ourselves to new
opportunities was fully intact.
Turning the last corner of the first lap and beginning the second lap as sophomores, the situation of the
race changed. Runners finally established their proper pace and stride. No longer nervous about their
mile run performance, runners gained a sense of confidence in their athletic ability. Running by other
students, shouts of encouragement are frequently heard. The aspect of cooperation among the runners
becomes the forefront of the race, reflecting the bonds established between students during our
sophomore year. Finally accustomed to the high school environment, sophomores are more willing to
take risks and explore activities they never previously considered. Equipped with an open mind,
students expand their horizons by interacting with people they never have before. This collective spirit
allows for growth in personal confidence and independence. As sophomores, we disregarded the
intimidating image of upperclassmen, filled with enough courage to talk and even befriend the students
we shied away from in the halls our freshman year.
The third lap always proves to be the most challenging. At this point in the run, all runners begin to feel
physical exhaustion set in. Their calf muscles tighten, perspiration rolls steadily off their face, and the
thought of stopping to walk is greatly considered. The presence of pain is noticeable, but the will to
carry on ultimately outweighs any negative aspect of the third lap. The lap is a test of mental and
physical endurance. The feelings runners experience during their third lap are the feelings that all juniors
also experience. Junior year is strenuous, for it requires the completion of an extreme amount of
standardized tests, SATs, and ACTs. The burden of homework seems to exponentially increase while the
amount of personal free time seems to decrease at an equal rate. Despite whatever obstacle was
thrown our way, our will to accomplish our goals never wavered. We were given the opportunity to
serve in leadership positions for clubs and other activities. Junior year presented the most challenging
circumstances we had faced, but overcoming such adversity required internal improvement. Our minds
were stretched in an entirely new way making us stronger and more prepared students than before.
The final lap of the mile run is the last push to achieve the ultimate goal. Any weakness felt
dissipates; only one topic consumes the mind. All remaining energy is exerted for this last lap. Focus and
attention remain clear and sharp, strides lengthen, and the will to succeed reaches its greatest height.
This lap is evidently senior year of high school. The lap is our last hurrah, our last collaborative activity
we will complete with our peers, and our final push to conquer everything we have worked for. The
satisfaction gained from accomplishing our countless textbooks, projects, and assignments is fully
present. We each run our race in a different manner, but we have all crossed the finish line.
We are now running our victory lap. We have battled and successfully completed the daunting high
school journey. Our teachers, parents, relatives, and friends have cheered loudly while we have run all
of our four laps and they continue to cheer for us as we embark on our next journey. While our mile run
is complete, our running careers are not over. Now, we know we are capable of running 5ks, 10ks, half
marathons, and marathons. Our preliminary run solely served as a bridge to complete these greater
accomplishments. The words “the class of 2013” have great significance; however, we are a force, not a
class. The force of 2013 possesses the academic wit, physical skills, and extraordinary talent needed to
complete any task we so choose. Our force cannot be stopped. We are the world changers and the mind
turners. We are the force of 2013.