I stand at the threshold of opportunity,
And pause before the door,
I size up the next four years of my life,
And imagine what’s in store.

It’ll be a chance to be who I want the world to see,
To call my ideas mine,
I can paint my personality however I’d like it
And let my true colors shine.

There will be forks in the road and often dead ends,
And spots where two paths merge,
The boulevards of high school will challenge us to make tough choices,
And navigate when crossroads diverge.

Sporting events and performances to attend,
Auditions that’ll tie your stomach in knots,
Sports practices, pep rallies, school spirit,
And homework assignments that “I forgot”.

Fitting in but standing out,
Trying to be unique,
Good teachers, bad teachers, teachers you’ll never forget,
And some teachers that can be considered antique.

Back stabbing, betrayal, and gossip,
Rumors, secrets, and lies,
Lost friendships and devastating broken hearts
Will result in memories that’ll bring tears to your eyes.

Responsibility to be honest and trustworthy,
In the eyes of those who matter,
One lie can bring dependence crashing down,
Trust, in seconds, can shatter.

Great leadership and taking charge
Will set you apart from the rest,
Having character, integrity, and being a noteworthy role model
Will shape you into one of the best.

Individuality and uniqueness
And deciphering who you are,
Are vital in “defining you,”
No one’s the same, by far.

Drama Queens and Gossip Kings,
Will rule the school’s castle of merciless peasants,
The hierarchy of royalty to the student body is unfair,
High school monarchy isn’t pleasant.

There will be jocks and slipshod hippies,
Pristine preppies and genius freaks,
Thespians, ethnic cliques, and wall flowers,
Emos, Goths, and band geeks.

Being “cool” and wearing what’s right,
Wearing clothes that are stylish and trendy,
Living in the shadow of popularity,
Being criticized by those who aren’t friendly.

Stereotypes, clichés and labels,
Being ridiculed from the head to toe,
Glares from people visually criticize you,
When the real you, they don’t even know.

Cliques and groups, clubs and teams,
Anticipated annual parties and dances,
The quarterback dates cheerleading captain,
Stereotypical high school romances.

Through trial, error, failure and mistakes
Always give it your best,
Belief, perseverance and a positive attitude
Will always result in success.

Scholarship is imperative,
Making the grade and acing exams,
Procrastination, last minute and late night studying,
Any teenager can understand.

I press pause on my prospective thought bubble,
Inside, uncharted territory awaits,
The double doors invite me in to experience it all,
I’m going to make these years great.

I foresee the moments that’ll make me cry and laugh
And I anticipate my future to unfold inside,
So I open the door and step foot into high school,
And begin the best four years of my life.