We have learned; now it's time to move on

Well, it seems as though we're at the end of yet another year here at New Life Christian High School, and, as always, the bittersweet feelings of it all are simply overwhelming for some — especially for us seniors, and especially for me. Though I'm not the tearful-goodbye type, I still find it hard to just leave a place that I see as something of a safe haven.

I decided to ask what my classmates most enjoyed about their time here at NLCHS, knowing that it would either bring laughter or tears to us all. Thankfully, they were tears of joy, and the result of a lot of laughter.

Mikie DeLozier, Tim Joiner, Waylon Cook, Katie Hornyak and I have said that one of the main things that stands out to us here are the attitudes of the teachers.

"They really care about you here. If you're going through a rough time, they'll take time out of their day to ask what's wrong and if they can do anything to help," said Tim, who has been at New Life for three years.

"The atmosphere here is outstanding. You always feel welcome here because everyone treats you like family," said Katie, who has been a student here for nearly 11 years.

Katie's response was quickly and heartily agreed upon by Justin Malson and Jesse Eguiza, who have attended New Life for nine and four years, respectively.

Jimmy Gutierrez, who has been at this school most of his life, along with Sonya Singh, who has been here for several years, say that the students are what make the school. Without good classmates and friends, every day here would simply be a bore — and thankfully, that is never the case at New Life.

Having the years fly by in what seems like a blink of an eye can be discouraging in a way, but we will always have all of the memories we will share and cherish for the rest of our lives.

In hindsight, I know that I, along with the rest of my class, have learned all of the lessons that we can here, that we'll use all of those valuable principles that have been pounded into our heads to educate others, and we know that the students soon to take our place as seniors next year will be able to say the same.

So on behalf of the 2011 senior class at New Life Christian High School, I say thank you to all of the teachers for keeping us on the straight and narrow path to victory. We have all truly become Crusaders.

General Beisley is a senior at New Life Christian High School. This is his final column for Education.