By Megan Cohen, Katie Forcade, Jaha Knight, and Sharon Shatananda

Although it seems like just yesterday we were watching the ball drop in Times Square, 2014 is about to come to an end. Between our undefeated football season, first championship title through Cross Country, and Tuscarora being ranked in the top nine percent of national high schools, it’s easy to say this year has been one of accomplishment. Not just for the school as a whole, but the students that have made it what it is today. As 2015 draws near, some are thinking back on both their milestones and personal growth.

Christina Garrido (Freshman)

What’s something you’ve learned this year?
I learned to be optimistic. I guess I just realized that instead of looking at everything that could go wrong, I should look at everything that could go right.

How do you think you’ve changed since last year?

I’ve learned a lot about communication. I think if you have a problem you have to always speak your mind. Never be afraid to be honest.

If you could change something about this past year, what would it be?

I would think some of my decisions through better. I made quick decisions, and I’ve definitely learned from that now. Also, I would be more careful about how I treat people. I had a friend who moved, and I probably won’t ever see him again. I wish I had spent more time with him while he was here.

Alicia Brasselle (Sophomore)

If you could change something about this past year, what would it be?

I would go back and drop some clubs I was [in] last year. I was so bogged down with extracurriculars, I had no time to really enjoy being a freshman in high school. How do you think you’ve changed since last year?

I have become more outgoing and friendly this year. I am willing to talk to more people and not be as shy around my peers. This has helped me make new friends and enjoy classes that I had no friends in.

What’s something you’ve learned this year?

I’ve learned to manage my time more wisely. By looking ahead, I can plan more activities and have more time with friends.

Alyanna Torres (Junior)

What was your favorite thing about 2014?

I wanted to play lacrosse for a few years now, although my surgery in the summer of 2012 set my plan back. I was finally able to tryout for the team this year and I made JV and was co-captain. I fell in love with the sport and am so blessed that I was able to play.

What’s something you’ve learned this year?

I’ve learned to not stress out too much about school. Not doing well on one test will not affect if you get into a good college or not. I still try my hardest with each class, but nobody is perfect and you can’t get 100% on every test. All that matters is that you try your very best.

How do you think you’ve changed since last year?

Most stereotypes about high school aren’t necessarily true, however, when people say you will begin your freshman year with lots of friends and end with a handful, it’s very accurate. You may lose some friends, but may gain better ones along the path. People will be people and will be cruel and mean and conniving, but if you stay true to yourself, people will like you for you.

Charlie Allworth (Senior)

What was your favorite thing about 2014?

My favorite thing was branching out socially.  There’s so many kind people I’ve met this year.  Every year I come to Tuscarora, I meet new people.

What’s something you’ve learned this year?

I’ve learned how to handle what it’s going to be like to be an adult.  I’ll have to take [on] more responsibility.  I’ve also learned it’s not going to be a breeze going through college.  There is more to life after high school.  High school isn’t the end.

What was a first for you this year?

A first for me this year was honestly finding out what I want to do in life.