A letter from May 4th, 2022

Dear Future Me, Today I was asked by my religion teacher to write a letter to myself in the future for when I graduate. It is hard right now as a freshman to imagine what I will be like three years from now. Freshman year has had its up and downs. I was elected Freshman Class President was kind of blew my mind! This was even more special to me because I was elected by my classmates. It was a real honor leading the class of 2025 as we began high school. since I just transferred to St. John's in seventh grade, It was surprising to me that I was elected. When I came here in seventh grade, I was scared I would never make friends. Now I look back at that scared kid and laugh. I have made some of the best friends I have ever known in the last six years. My best friends, Andy, Brian, Brayden, and I discovered right away that we had one big thing in common -- GAMING! I also have been so lucky to have a beautiful, sweet girl, Marley, as my girlfriend during seventh grade and most of this year. One of the best things about making new friends at St. John's was the way that they have made connections with my friends at my old school in Defiance. We now have an even bigger circle of friends, and I feel really good about bringing all of these people together. One of my goals for high school was to get good grades and be prepared to go to the college of my choice. I have worked hard to make all A's over these past four years. I am excited to be going to my parent's Alma Mater, BGSU. Go Falcons! I am more than ready to graduate and begin college! It has been a great four years and I have especially loved being involved in all my musical activities! I am in choir and band and I also perform each year in the spring musical. My senior year marked the twelfth spring musical I have performed in at DSJ because my mom let me have some small parts when I was a little kid! I guess being involved in music and fine arts here is made even more special because my mom is one of my music directors. I love singing in the choir under her direction and being her "right-hand man" for the spring musicals! It is also great family time for me because my dad helps out with all of the sound and lighting for the shows. It definitely keeps us busy. Probably the biggest thing that happened during high school was having my final leg lengthening surgery. It is so wonderful to know that throughout my life my legs will both be about the same length. The second lengthening took place my junior year and wasn't nearly as tough on me and my parents as the first surgery in 2018 when I had to wear my external fixator for almost six months. Compared to that this was a breeze! It's crazy to think of all the things I have done in four years at St. John's! One thing is for sure, I have remained true to my faith! I am so blessed to have parents who have always raised me to be a strong Christian who believes in the power of prayer and the importance of going to church. I know that will stay with me throughout my life and my faith will just grow stronger as I become an adult and venture out into the real world. Having Jesus at the center of my life has always been most important to me and my family! If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be that--don't ever turn away from God and your faith because there will be times in your life that you will only have your faith to depend on. Always pray and be part of a church family! Also, try to surround yourself with friends who share your beliefs. My friends are all strong Christians and I am so thankful for their support and friendship. In a couple of weeks, it will be time to walk across the stage at graduation! It is finally here! I know that I will be a little scared as I think about leaving St. John's and everything that is comfortable here. I hope that I will not lose touch with my friends, but I also know that there are lots of new friendships to be made as I begin my journey into the next chapter of my life. Be strong! Keep the faith! Take good care of yourself mentally and physically and follow your dreams! Your best friend for life, Noah Robert Slawinski