After over 400 absences my second semester of junior year, I knew it was time to make a change. I started falling behind and failed four classes, not realizing the consequences to come. Now, I am a senior with one open period while my friends have multiple. I once was a little girl who didn’t think she could make it in life, to a senior who now knows who she is. Throughout high school, I got wrapped up in the wrong friend groups and fought a lot of silent battles. I started skipping a lot my sophomore year, and it only got worse my junior year. I didn’t feel like school really mattered much, and I didn’t care to go to class. I was lost and didn’t understand that I carried a lot of potential within me. My family was disappointed in me as well as myself. After multiple long lectures over the summer, I went into my senior year with a positive mind-set; go to class and do your work, it will all work out in the end. I’ve been in all of my classes and have kept all As and Bs. I never thought I could do it until I realized that as long as I am in class and paying attention I will pass. If I could tell my freshman self anything, I would tell her to go to class and pay attention. It will get easier and you will have a lot of free time your senior year. Anyone who feels they are struggling, know that you are not alone and it’s never too late to make a change.While it might be hard to find the motivation to go to class, think about the outcome in the end. Graduating on time will make those around you proud. You will also be proud of yourself and feel accomplished because you were able to make the change. Find different things to motivate you. Keep a good support system around you. Those who are trying to get you to skip class aren’t the people you want around, they’re only bringing you down with them. Have a positive mindset going into class. Even though class isn’t always fun, stay positive and do your work. It may feel like forever to get done with school but in the end, you will be happy that you chose to make the change and become better not only for those around you but for yourself.