High school has defined me as a person and taught me valuable lessons. Also, it has taught me that change occurs frequently. Prior to my knowledge I thought everything in the world stayed the same--I was in for a true surprise. Previously before high school, I had found a sport that relieved me from stress and was my passion. Running became a hobby of mine in middle School and carried shortly on to high school. My former gym coach enforced upon us that we had to run the mile for a physical fitness test; unlike other children my age I enjoyed running the mile. My time slowly decreased the more I ran and pure excitement rushed over me to just participate. That's when my parents encouraged me to run track and I eagerly decided to give track a try. Little did I know that I would learn about team effort and life lessons.

All throughout middle School I ran fast-paced sprints. I had almost grown a custom to this method of running. The people who did sprints were considered sprinters, and were very unrelated to distance runners. Even our practices varied differently between each individual, because we all had different events. Although I wasn't essentially the best sprinter, I loved it with every fiber of my being. Sprinting at track meets was truly exhilarating.  However, involuntarily my new coach at high school was going to place me with the distance runners.

When I first found out, I was placed with distance runners, I was somewhat discouraged.  I felt that I excelled the most in sprints and short distances. My coach eventually persuaded me to do distance after a few practices of my freshman year. Surprisingly and much to my astonishment I felt great running with other distance runners. I came to the conclusion I did much better in distance races in practices and also meets. Shortly after I was placed on a distance relay team.

I couldn't be happier with sudden change coming to high school and becoming a distance track runner. Converting over to distance had many benefits, our relay team got to advance all the way to the state track meet for two years in a consecutive row! Being on distance also drove me to try my best for our relay team. I realized that life is much like distance, the journey may be long and unbearing at times, but the key is to make the most of it. More importantly, it's vital to finish the race and feel a sense of true accomplishment that you completed the course. 

What one may have thought to be an average night certainly changed. The night before prom, also known as my high school pre-prom had to be a very interesting night of my life. Most girls find excitement in elaborate dresses, acrylic nails, and distinct makeup for prom.  Some girls spend hundreds of dollars on this special occasion, while most guys are left wondering what the big deal is. If you have the opportunity to go to your high school prom I highly recommend going at least one time. However, I would like to share my personal experience of my pre-prom. I've learned throughout life in high school you have to simply outlive through the complete chaos and try to make the best of every situation.

The strong aroma of paint almost took my breath. A variety and an array of many paint colors were spread throughout the salon. My close friend, Maggie had convinced me to go to the nail salon before prom to get our nails "done." I sat for what seemed like eternity while I received a pedicure and the worker vigorously massaged my legs. Shortly afterwards I walked across the room and let the other workers begin to paint my fingernails. "I'll have a plain pink polish, please." I said.

Unfortunately the nail salon workers messed up my nails and painted them a totally different color. That's when my boyfriend Nate, stepped into the nail salon and asked me politely if I was ready. I replied wearily "No, I have to let them repaint my nails." Nate let out an exasperated sign and then a small chuckle and surprisingly waited patiently in the chair beside me while I had my nails perfected. As soon as my nails had dried outside the salon stood Maggie and her boyfriend Hunter also waiting on me. We quickly rushed out of the nail salon. I didn't know that my nails would be the least of my worries on this night.

As soon as we all arrived at the car we all discussed where we were going next. Eventually we all agreed to going to the well-known restaurant "Chili's." Everyone was starving and we hadn't eaten dinner yet.  Much to our surprise Chili's had an open booth awaiting us upon arrival. Maggie sat directly across from me at the table, while Nate sat across from Hunter. We chatted over small talk, excited for the delicious meals we had ordered. Eventually the food was delivered to our table. Of course I had ordered my favorite platter-chicken with sweet iced lemon tea.  

We still continued our conversation, while we devoured our food. I savored each bite of my food, simultaneously while I scarfed my food down. I added extra lemons to my tea to enhance the flavor. Laughter filled the room-mostly from us. That's when my boyfriend told a hysterically funny joke, at least I thought it was. I took a drink of my tea and started profusely choking on a seed from a lemon, spraying the drink all over our table-top. My friends and boyfriend thought it was an usual joke from me. Then they got up from the table and left me in the booth.

I was awoken by my boyfriend vigorously shaking my leg and screaming "Lauren!" I started laughing uncontrollably and everyone in the restaurant looked at me horrified. "Why are you laughing, do you realize what even happened?!" Nate exclaimed. I had no idea what had just occurred, so I looked at him puzzled. "You just passed out, Lauren." Nate replied. Then Maggie informed me that I was convulsing and had completely blacked out. I didn't say much on the way home, my heart rate was steadily increasing with each breath I took. Maggie, Hunter, and Nate all comforted me while we traveled home.

I have come to realization that I don't usually have the best of luck, but sometimes the best stories happen from unexpected things. My pre-prom was far from normal or average. One day you can look back on the simple mishaps and laugh. High school and the learning experiences will help shape you. I advise you to cherish every moment and be involved in as much as you can. And if you have the opportunity arrange pre-prom plans of your own.  (716)