Why do we wear what we wear, enjoy what we enjoy, act how we act? What is the purpose of our existence? Those are seemingly impossible questions many ask themselves, and while high school may not provide a clear answer to them, it most definitely helps in the search for a reason. 

I feel as though high school may be one of, if not the most, important part of someone’s life. Now, granted, I have yet to experience any life after high school, but my experience in high school is what has affected me the most throughout my 18 years on earth. To me, high school is so important because it helps people really discover their identities and interests. High school takes someone from a pre-pubescent teenager to a grown adult, and throughout the human life cycle that might be the most intense jump between the stages of life.

You get your first job, you get your driver’s license, courses and classes are engaging, you have options, and you learn to make decisions for yourself. All these little things that people experience in these four years are critical to becoming a sentient, knowledgeable human.

I have always been fond of the arts, sculpting with clay, splattering water color, doodling anywhere I could. But my journey through adolescence has made me truly appreciate every form of art I’ve been introduced to. I got my first camera during spring break of freshman year: a little white Canon EOS M100, a hand-me-down from my dad. I didn’t think much of it at first, just used it to point and shoot here and there, just enjoying it. Once spring break ended, I wanted to keep using it. Little did I know, this thin attachment would become a future obsession. And so I kept taking pictures of everything, even in places people would never think of taking a camera. It was an addiction, the smooth twist of the lens, the sharp click of the knobs, the oh so wonderful crisp clasp of the shutter closing. 

Eventually I upgraded my equipment, now brandishing a Canon EOS R10 with several lenses. And it may not be a $10K professional camera, but it’s not about the equipment, it’s about how you can use it. From capturing massive protests to a tree swaying in the wind, photography has taught me how important every single event in the world is regardless of scale.

Likewise to photography, high school was an outlet to another obsession of mine, cars. As most young boys are, I, too, was a fan of cars, watching the movies any chance I could whilst collecting the toys. Transformers 2007, a movie that came out the same year I was brought into this world, is what truly cemented my deep rooted love and passion for everything automotive, it was an awakening. At the 32 minute mark in the movie, Bumblebee drives through a tunnel and transforms into a 2006 Camaro concept car. This event was my “Birth of Venus.” My life had been changed forever. With the sleek smooth design with sharp angles integrated in and the roar of its small block V8, I was in love. And the idea that Megan Fox was into cars as well might have additionally influenced my passion. 

One could imagine how excited I was once I had gotten my license, and while my first car was a beat up Honda Pilot, I had the time of my life in it. Taking it “rallying” at Boca and Prosser reservoir and drifting in empty parking lots when it snowed. Driving quickly became one of my favorite things which remains true to this day. Whenever there was somewhere where me and my friends wanted to go I would volunteer to drive, it helped that my car had so much space. A little over a year ago I got my first car, as in I bought it and it’s in my name, it’s my pride and joy and I can’t wait to expand my car collection as I grow.

The most important thing I’ve learnt from these past four years however is how important kindness and everything is. Every little event and fragment of time is something sacred. Whether my growing interests in photography and automotive things alike influenced this acknowledgement, it’s the most important thing to me. It may sound cliche or corny, though I think that is a dumb stereotype that’s been imposed on it, but being kind to others matters so much. It can be something as simple as complimenting someone’s smile to driving two hours to make sure someone gets home safe. While I could go on a tangent about kindness and photography, and friendship, and helping others, I think I’ll keep it short. It’s kinda wild to think this is the last thing I’ll ever publish on the Truckee Times, but just like everything else, all good things must come to an end. 

I’d like to thank all the great friends, teachers, and influences I’ve had the past four years who have helped discover myself and helped me when times may have gotten tough. Most importantly however, I would like to acknowledge the importance my cat, Piggy, has had on my life. I know you can’t read, or think much for that matter, but you are my everything. 

So I guess as this is the last thing I will ever be able to say on the Truckee Times, just relax for a minute, take everything in. Time is fleeting faster than we can perceive, so acknowledge what you have, are, and will experience, and just be grateful. 

It’s not about how much time we have, but rather what you do with it.