Perhaps sad isn't the best word for it. This time of the year, though, is filled with melancholy and sadness for me. The school year is almost done (hooray!), but that means seniors are leaving (not hooray). It happens every year, I know, but it doesn't get easier and some years are harder than others.
This year is one of those. The kids who graduated this year have been a generous group - they've allowed me to pretend I'm cool. I'm not cool, you see. Many actually talk to me, which never ceases to amaze me. But I feel like I've gotten to know some of these kids. I've been fortunate enough to interview a lot of them, and they all were more than willing to answer my questions. Watching these seniors play their last games and run their last races has been tough. It's tough every year, though, so I don't know why I thought it might get easier. At least I didn't burst into tears at graduation. 😄
Many are going to participate in sports at the collegiate level, which, as the sports editor for five newspapers, makes me really happy. Some are staying local, which makes me even happier. That means I don't have to say goodbye to them yet. I'll get to watch them continue to compete and improve their skills for the next four years.
Now, please don't think I'm one of "those" people who are obsessed with athletes and their careers. I'm not. I just like to see "my" kids succeed in whatever they do. (I call them all my kids just because I can. 😀) I've watched them play, often every season, for the last four years. As I said earlier, I've gotten to interview them. I know this year's seniors are an incredible group of kids who will do great things. I've talked to young people who plan to be farmers, teachers, business people, even a senator (I promised to vote for him if he's running for a seat to represent my area).
These kids have set records by the boatload. I can't even tell you how many new marks were set this year and over their careers. They've kept my schedule full by regularly qualifying for state. I think I've been to almost every state competition imaginable this year. And I've loved every minute of it.
Next year will be different. This happens every year, I know. Every team looks different. I get to learn new names and positions and sometimes I have to train new coaches. It's part of the cycle, but that doesn't mean I don't miss kids or coaches who have moved on.
So to all of you who have graduated and are moving to the next adventure in your lives, I wish you all the best. If you're sticking around, I'm really excited to see continued success for you. If you're moving away, I'm excited to see what you can do, although I may not be able to follow your career as closely. Keep us posted on how things are going.
