I wish I was 5

Smiles that went from ear to ear, bursts of boisterous laughter that filled the room, and eyes of innocence completed my Thursday and Friday. On February 26th and 27th, hundreds of kids came rushing through the colorful, animated tunnel of people. I read the silly rhymes of Dr. Seuss as my buddies would grasp on to each word with the desire to hear the next. I danced with my buddies as they twirled and jumped around with me until I was dizzy. I helped my buddies with their activities as the spectrum of the rainbow was illustrated into various characters and objects. As I played the part of the patient, I watched my buddies point at me, smile, and whisper to their neighbor that I was their friend. I looked down at my buddies as they looked for comfort before doing what Dr. Seuss told them to do. With each movement and sound, I flashback to the moments of my childhood when each day passed with a carefree feeling.

            Up until high school, all I wanted to do was grow up quickly and take on the fun and responsibility of a high school student. My mouth drooled at the idea that one day, I would no longer be 5, 8, 10, and even 13. Now, time has passed, and I find myself at 15, writing about those moments in which I wished to be older.

            I came in to high school thinking that I was beyond prepared to handle everything and that these 4 years would go by with ease. As a sophomore, I've realized that days go by quickly, but they don't go by without difficulty. I remember being in kindergarten with by overwhelmingly large backpack that looked like it was crushing me, the bowl haircut that shouldn't exist, and the light up, sparkly pink sketchers that lit up my day. My most stressful thoughts bounced back between whether or not I was packed a good snack and if I would have to speak aloud to the class.

            Looking back at these moments makes me realize that sometimes we're so eager for something to happen that we don't take the time to appreciate the things around us. As a high school student, I wait anxiously for the day I get to take my pack boxes and move them into a dorm with other college students. I see the freedom and fun of being a college student, but forget how hard it actually is when you're out on your own. With my eyes fixed on college, I don't appreciate the difficulties I am facing right now. What I find to be an obstacle right now, will one day be the thing I wish I could run back to. I know that one day my high school career will come to an end and the future will come, so why just not live each day with gratitude?