As the 2005-06 school year comes to an end at Union Springs, I have come to realize so much more about life than I knew entering my sophomore year. I believe that the majority of my peers have also.

This school year seemed to slip by faster than we ever could've expected, even though it seemed to drag on forever at times. I can only hope that we've all made the most of everything we have been offered.

It has been such a year of change at Union Springs: a new auditorium (air conditioned luckily), gym, classrooms, library, track, sports field, and BIGGER lockers, which we're all happier about. Even in the classroom, the students are given not only a chance to learn, but to know themselves and their classmates better.

Yet, it's typical in high school that not everyone will be “best friends” with one another. It does seem as if this year brought us all a little closer. We've all seen each other in a different light, whether our new realizations were good or bad. People will not be seen as a “jock,” “prep,” “slacker,” etc. but rather as individuals sooner or later. Hopefully, in the years to come, my classmates and I will all appreciate one another a little bit more and not push any one away.

I have made so many good friends this year with people I never knew I had anything in common with. It is amazing what someone can learn if they just take the time to stop and truly listen. Surprisingly, that saying is actually true, despite what some may say. The teachers were all right when they would say that, and it doesn't only apply to English or chemistry class - it applies to all aspects of life.

If all students just took the time to listen to someone and hear what they have to say, students could create a stronger student body. Perhaps some teachers have just as valuable lessons planned for the students besides the “core curriculum.”

All of us students need to just take the time to appreciate what we've got. Union Springs isn't the most “happening” of places, but it's certainly a nice place to grow up and receive an education. It's what all of the students have in common - this school. All of the students, myself included, have different dreams and goals, shooting in all different directions. We will all go our separate ways and go on to fulfill our lives to our own capabilities, but perhaps we will all realize that we came from the same place.

A 16-year-old may not know that much about life to begin with, but this year has definitely taught me something about the years ahead.

These next few years will require a little more dedication, effort, perseverance, compassion, appreciation and listening. To the students of Union Springs: listen a little more. What have you got to lose?

Meg Rindfleisch is a sophomore at Union Springs High School