A letter from August 29th, 2020

Dear Self, This is the first month of senior year. This year isn’t at all how you imagined it would be. All those late nights after football games, volleyball, and hours spent complaining at lunch in Dellarmo’s are absent. We as Class of 2021 got our last year of childhood ripped away from us. Does it suck, absolutely. But what does complaining about it do? Our teachers this year really had to step it up. Not only did they have to rewire their whole classrooms and teaching styles, they had to do it with a family to worry about at home. The anxiety and fear we are all feeling around this virus, they were feeling too. I think I was able to get the best set of teachers this year. It really creates a bond when we are all going through the same thing together. We were forced to either sink or swim and I believe all my teachers this year were able escape those treacherous waters. Work still sucks. I don’t know if working ever gets fun. I’m glad I was able to get my best friend the job there. It makes work a lot more interesting and feels a lot more like home. I probably eat too much of our food, but in all honestly it's a lot cheaper. The “senior year stress” is just getting started. Trying to figure out college apps, scholarships, and ROTC is turning out to be harder than younger me ever expected. I am trying my best to stay organized and make sure all the boxes get checked, but I can’t help but worry that I am going to forget something. Even worse, what if that something changes the whole plan. Other than that life is still the same old, same old. I hit my first big saving mark of $10,000 and I’ve never been prouder of myself. The dogs are still all doing okay, Carolina is on the way out sadly. Star is as bitter as ever and Nacho is still my goofy boy. The thought of having to leave him for college hits me like a train. I have little dreams and aspirations pop up. Sometimes I can chase them down and sometimes I have to let them go. I’m honored to be the big sister to a 5 year old little girl who likes to give me a run for my money and I still think I’m the most responsible out of the 4 siblings. My relationship with God is stronger than ever and I turn to Him when times get rough. This next year is going to show me what a true work ethic and determination does. Don’t be scared of the future and learn from your past. With love, Bailey Moskowitz @ 17