By Shan Yonamine

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The end of the school year is approaching quickly and I, like many of you, am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the concept of graduation and going to college because up until now, it seemed so far away.

I can look back to a time in my underclassman years when I could not even fathom sitting where I am in my life today. I had no direction and until my sophomore year, it seemed as though I was going to cruise through high school not going anywhere in particular and for a long time, I was OK with that.

I had, in essence, settled for maintaining a status quo in school, but this attitude ended up affecting every other aspect of my life. I had decided that trying anything new, whether it be a club or sport, was not an option for me because I probably ‘wouldn’t be good at it anyway.’ It was this misconception that prevented me from having so many experiences in high school that I regret not having.

I didn’t consider myself an athlete, so even though I really wanted to try out, I never tried out for any of the sports teams. I didn’t have a knack for any subject, so I decided not to join any clubs.

I had a lackluster outlook on high school and life and I cheated myself out of a lot of potential experiences and friendships I could have made along the way.

However, this attitude didn’t stick because eventually I got tired of not being a part of anything, and around my sophomore year I made a resolution to try new things. So naturally, I delved into extracurricular activities which I’m sure that many of you already have.

It wasn’t until I had to balance multiple responsibilities that I felt really challenged as a student and as an individual. There are so many times when I just wanted to take the easy way out and switch into another class or quit an after school activity, but I made a commitment and I couldn’t and wouldn’t cheat myself out of any other experience. It was then that I realized that I can accomplish so much more than I ever thought I could.

I came to the conclusion that the moment I told myself that “I couldn’t” I had already cheated myself out of trying something that I probably “could’ve” done.

I realized that the biggest mistake I had made in high school and life was limiting myself with my own inhibitions.

Remember that no matter what you think you are capable of, you always have the capacity and the capability to do better. And, it is only through trying to achieve our highest potential that we are able to grow as people.

So whether you’re transitioning into another year of high school or, like me, into your first year of college, remember not to limit yourself. Don’t ever resolve not to try something because you fear that you’ll fail and most importantly, no matter how great your success, there is always more to be achieved. Once you let go of your self-doubt, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.