As a freshman, my sister was about to graduate and wanted me to continue the Dolberry photography legacy at Lovejoy. As she tried to convince me to join TRL, I wanted to ensure that I wouldn’t have to write any stories if I didn’t want to. Now, three years later, here I am writing my very first and last story. As excited as I am to start the next chapter in my life, I am hesitant to leave everything behind. As I have my last moments with my family and friends, TRL, and sports, I have learned what a blessing each of them is to me. I wish I could go back and cherish each moment a little longer.
Goodbye to Lovejoy Track and Cross Country. I have grown so much from joining these sports six years ago. Because of every workout, team meeting, and meet, I have learned leadership, discipline, and hard work. I have also gained so many friends. The team culture has dramatically impacted my Cross Country and Track experience. Coach Littlefield always emphasizes the importance of running together, encouraging one another, and bonding outside practice to strengthen our team culture. Running with a group makes it easier to maintain pace and stay strong. I find it much harder to push through workouts when running by myself. The culture has made me a successful athlete, leading both teams to become champions. It has also brought me so many friendships that will last far beyond high school. In Cross Country, persevering and getting through hard workouts, long runs, and even races together creates a strong bond. While track seems like an individual sport, my teammates’ encouragement is why I have been successful. Gaining friends in this sport has made me a better runner and jumper by being competitive with one another, being able to enjoy practice more, and having those people to keep me accountable outside of practice. The close culture has brought me many friendships and made the whole team more successful. It has taught me the importance of working together with others to accomplish big things.
Goodbye to my hometown. This is the place I have grown up my whole life. It is where my family, friends, and memories are. My parents and sisters have always been my biggest supporters. Whatever I do, they encourage me and help me along the way. Even if they can only see me a few times during each race, they will drive over an hour to cheer me on. I am lucky enough to have my sisters in Norman with me next year, but I will miss my parents more than ever.
Goodbye to my sweet friends. They have always been there for me. Each of them makes me laugh and smile every day. Even though I will have close friends in over six states, I know that they will continue to be there for me. I can’t wait to make the best memories with them this summer, and I already can’t wait to be back with them next summer.
Goodbye to TRL. This class has brought me closer to so many people. I started my sophomore year by taking football pictures, which is now one of my favorite parts of the class. I will miss taking pictures, talking, and laughing on the sidelines with Anna every fall Friday night. I have also been blessed to have the opportunity to travel with my Track and Cross Country teammates every year to take pictures at the State meets. It has been an incredible experience. I mostly love how the class isn’t just about journalism, but it also prioritizes friendships. Getting to talk to each other every class and having end-of-the-week debriefs in FNR have strengthened so many bonds in the class. I will always be thankful for my time spent with these amazing people.
Although it is time to say goodbye to many special parts of my life, I know that new, exciting things are ahead. I get to be with my sisters, make new friends, attend football games, join a sorority, and so much more. I have learned to cherish every moment in college because I know the time will fly by even faster. I am so blessed to be going to an amazing college and cannot wait for the adventures ahead.
