Things I’ve Learned Along the Way (A Wilton Graduation Story)

This was written by GOOD Morning Wilton writer Kate Bell, who graduated on Saturday as a member of the Wilton High School Class of 2014.

Even though all the diplomas have been handed out, and the last graduates have returned home from the Post Graduation Party, it still hasn’t managed to sink in that my nine years in the Wilton school system are finally over.

At the beginning of my senior year everyone mentioned how time would fly, and graduation would be here before I knew it, but boy were they right. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was celebrating spirit week, and writing my “Last First Day of School” article, but here I am having wandered through the door at five in the morning a little stunned and very tired from celebrating my last night together with the class of 2014.

It’s funny how all the stuff we seemed to worry about in high school melted away the second we crossed that stage. All the fights, and stress and things that in the moment seemed so huge no longer are. As official college freshman we have unlimited potential and a brand new journey ahead that we have spent these last four wonderful years preparing for. While every day of high school may not have been the time of my life, I certainly learned everything I would need to know for the next stages of my life, (and some things I didn’t–like how to calculate the difference between two squares, or the symbolism of the Mountains in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein).

My time in the hallowed halls of Wilton High School taught me that time management is key (and doing your homework in the class before is not a productive use of your time) or that you alone are your biggest advocate, though sometimes it’s okay to ask Mom for a little help. I also learned that teachers could be some of the best friends and mentors you could have, and that there are going to be times where we won’t always be right.

But lastly, I learned that no matter how far you go and how long it’s been, you will always be welcomed in Wilton.

It’s funny–the other day I ran into my fifth grade teacher from Cider Mill, and even though I’ve grown taller and older he still remembered me. Now, not many people call me ‘Kayley’ so you can imagine my surprise when he called out my name. But having been an avid reader as a child I ended up donating the books that I finished to my teacher’s classroom, and he mentioned that if you go to his classroom library you can still find some of the books with my name in them. While in the distant future those books may disappear, I was able to connect with all of the students who read those books, even long after I had gone, and that seems kind of magical.

While it may be time for a new adventure, I just want to thank all of the people who have helped me finally cross the finish line of this leg of my life, all of the wonderful friends, family and the community for believing in me.  I made lasting friendships and bonds here and to know that they will always be a part of my time here is comforting. All the six AM swim practices, school days, hours at the YMCA, and community events will be long missed.

I guess if I have one last piece of advice to offer before they turn the lights off and shut the stage door. it would be this:  Take the opportunities that come your way and enjoy your future success, but don’t forget to look back sometimes and thank all those that helped you along the way.