When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
Saying goodbye to the half a day Wednesdays. Saying goodbye to my erratic, colorful, but stable Journalism class where we are allowed to be ourselves and write about ourselves and the things we love. Saying goodbye to seeing Mr. Smartt's shiny head when we don't wear a uniform. Saying goodbye to holler of Ms. Alder’s voice during transition time. To the music we hear before every class. To the circles where we come together as a community to address problems that affect us as a family. Saying goodbye to my second home for 4 years.
“How do we define the word goodbye? I've come to believe since the start of human existence that saying the word goodbye isn't about parting ways; it's a heartfelt farewell that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Some may believe that goodbye is forever. But what does goodbye really mean, and why does it hold such significance in our lives? Goodbyes are everywhere, like when it's your first day of school ever and you say goodbye to your parents, or when you graduate middle school and say goodbye to your friends. Things like graduating high school, or leaving home to go to college. But more deeply, there’s the goodbye of a father giving away his daughter at her wedding. And there's nothing like saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed.
Goodbye can mean many things. But what goodbye means to me is just “see you later.” Because I really believe goodbye or the word itself is just an illusion we tell ourselves when we depart from things or someone.
Anthony Liccione said, “Goodbye is a word invented to mean ‘see you later.’ If you can't see me, then it's not a goodbye, it's just a break.” Liccione meant that when we say goodbye, there is just a period of time until when you will see that person or thing again. Beyond its literal meaning and its meaning to me, goodbye can carry emotional weight, symbolizing separation and transition.
Moira Rogers says, “The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last time.” Saying goodbye can be so hard sometimes. It often means we’re leaving behind something or someone we care about. It can stir up feelings of sadness, uncertainty, and loss. You might be saying goodbye to a person, place, or experience that has been meaningful to you. This can be difficult to let go of. Goodbyes signify change, and as human beings we are creatures of habit who often struggle with the unknown and getting out of our comfort zone.
When we say goodbye we acknowledge the time spent with someone while also trying to accept the sense of separation all at once. Goodbye makes it easier to find closure. Saying goodbye can protect ourselves from pain. In some cases, saying goodbye can even be an act of self-care. Or it can also be a word we say when we fear what lies ahead. When we fear new beginnings. The word goodbye teaches us the importance of cherishing each moment and the relationships we make.
As a graduating senior of Comp Sci High, I can relate to this theme. To elaborate, I look back at my past mistakes and successes I've made in my 4 years of high school and wonder what I would have done differently. And the truth is I don't think I regret anything. Because any mistake I have committed has taught me something about life. And now I can use what I have learned and apply it in this new chapter I'm about to embark on. So even though saying goodbye to all that will be difficult, it will also be exciting for me.
Saying goodbye to the half a day Wednesdays. Saying goodbye to my erratic, colorful, but stable Journalism class where we are allowed to be ourselves and write about ourselves and the things we love. Saying goodbye to seeing Mr. Smartt's shiny head when we don't wear a uniform. Saying goodbye to holler of Ms. Alder’s voice during transition time. To the music we hear before every class. To the circles where we come together as a community to address problems that affect us as a family. Saying goodbye to my second home for 4 years.
But what I am really going to miss are the relationships and friendships I've made. Especially with the teachers who've helped me get to where I am today. And my friends who I have had the honor to learn from and grow up with. Those who know, know who you are.
Goodbye Comp Sci High, see you later.