Before entering East, I had always envisioned my upcoming high school as that from a movie. Everyone would belong to their “clique,” bullies would push kids into lockers, there would be parties every night and, of course, every person in school would be a professional dancer.

Almost all of this was proven wrong when I first walked the halls of East over three and a half years ago (I’d like to say that I’m a pretty good dancer). Of course we know who our true friends are, but throughout my time here I have broadened my group of friends to include people I wouldn’t have thought of connecting with before high school. This is all made possible because, including myself, I believe the most common practice seen at East is getting involved.

Whether it be on sports teams, community service, cultural, or simply an after-school club you have interest in, there is always a way to get involved at East. By involving myself in DECA and Habitat for Humanity, I was able to meet new people who shared similar interests as me. This to me is what high school is all about. It’s not like the movies, and not important to try and follow these standard social codes. Because when it’s all said and done, the people who you experience it all with and can relate to are going to be the ones you remember and keep in touch with for the rest of your life.