Ray’s Reflection: Ryan Sweeney

Throughout my junior year of high school, I was faced with various challenges in school, whether it was classes, assignments, or extracurriculars. Luckily, I had a great support system of friends, family, teachers, staff, and classmates who helped me throughout the year.

This year I was lucky enough to be involved with multiple of the school’s sports teams such as football, soccer, and baseball. Playing these sports I felt truly blessed because I was able to learn many things and meet new people. Playing football this year gave me the opportunity to take a leadership role on the team. I was able to grow closer to people I may not have typically become friends with or have the opportunity to get to know.

Playing soccer, I was shown how important it is to stick together as a team to overcome obstacles that are thrown at you. I created bonds with teammates that I will forever cherish. 

Playing baseball has been one of the most important things in my life, and this year I was fortunate enough to play in the Miami Marlins stadium with some of my favorite people. Playing with this team and creating all the memories we made was by far my favorite part of the year. 

Through sports I was able to learn and grow as a person, teammate, and as a friend. I believe that being a part of something at this school, whether it be a sports team or a club, is an experience that everyone should be a part of, as it will create new friendships and positively shape you as a person.

Going into this school year, I was nervous because I realized that I was actually growing up. I started stressing about things like taking SATs and college. My classes became more difficult and work began to pile up on me. This happened because I began procrastinating my work. If I had not put things off until the last minute, I believe I could have been much more successful and I would have carried less worry throughout the year. By not finding a balance between school, athletics, and my personal life, I only made things harder for myself. I’ve learned that it is okay to be nervous, because it shows that you care. But allowing yourself to be consumed by this feeling does nothing but make it worse.

Though I’m very proud of where I am today, one thing I wish I did differently was taking the time to truly appreciate everything. You may be becoming a junior, sophomore, or just beginning your high school career, but it all goes by in a flash. It feels like it was just yesterday that I came into the school to pick up my schedule before my first day of high school. Fast forward to today, I am months away from my senior year. You may not be able to stop time, but you can cherish it as it passes by. Make as many memories as possible, because when it is all said and done, that’s all you will be left with.

For my final year at MIA, I plan on talking to and meeting as many people as I can. Throughout my years here, I haven’t really branched out to other people. I have stayed in my comfort zone. But by doing this, I have missed out on creating bonds between some great people. I also plan on getting involved in new things within the school so that I can make the most out of my final high school year, and I am excited to see what the future holds next year and beyond high school.

My advice for the future class of MIA would be to always stay true to yourself. You are unique for a reason. Don’t change yourself for other people, and don’t let them dictate what or who you should be. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, because it is not worth it to be around those who don’t.