by Meghan Lewis

As I was sitting in a free on my netbook reading the essays by our three lovely Academy women nominees, Elaine Schmidt, Holly Fielder, and Jane Evans, I couldn’t help but feel my heart swell with love and admiration for this place called STA. This place that has become my second home. All three of the girls did an excellent job summarizing the quintessential elements of STA – the elements that make up the sisterhood. I couldn’t help but think about the limited time I have left at the Academy as a second semester senior. I also couldn’t help but think about whether or not I have taken full advantage of my 4 years here. Part of what makes STA so special is the diversity of the student body and the wide range of opportunities – no matter how quirky – we as students are fortunate enough to take advantage of these chances.

When leaving STA, I think it is important to part without any regrets. Many of the seniors fill out out surveys for the yearbook or other publications with the top “I wish I would have’s” for their years at STA. Not too long ago I was reflecting on how I hadn’t done much outside of the norm. I have played soccer, been on the Dart, and a part of Care Club and a few other organizations STA has to offer. But what have I done that is spontaneous and fun? What had I done that will be memorable for years to come?

Now this could be anything, big or small. It could be anything from spending $150 on a lunch date with social studies teacher Craig Whitney in the silent auction (yes I did this. Get ready for a day of fun, Whitney.) Or it could be as big as participating in in “Dancing with the Stars.” I would like to say I can handle my own on the dance floor (many of you may know as my father and I recently placed second in the senior dance competition at the father daughter dance. Here’s another shoutout to my Dad – I get the moves from you!) I must say I was a little nervous about joining in the competition because of the time commitment and my lack of knowledge in the dance world. However, it has been one of the funnest experiences I’ve had so far at the Academy.

Whether it is signing up for next year’s service week musical chairs and bringing your A-game, taking a class or two in unchartered territory like piano or art history, joining the Science Quiz Bowl or the Math Team (it’s really not social suicide, right Elaine?), or auditioning for student productions or a play or musical, I promise you won’t regret it. Of course you shouldn’t try to do something you have absolutely no interest in at all, but you should explore the options available to you as a student at an accepting environment like STA. High school may be the last time you get to be a part of such unique opportunities, after all.

As a senior, I feel it is my duty to leave a bit of advice for all of the young women who are fortunate enough to return to STA once again in August. Make the most of your time here, take advantage of the opportunities you are so fortunate enough to have and take a risk out of your comfort zone. You just might find you love your new experience or make a memory that will last a lifetime. In the words of Neale Donald Walsh, “life begins on the edge of your comfort zone.”