Miles: 2,719. That is the approximate distance from Jamesville-DeWitt High School to Los Angeles, Calif. As some people may already know, I had been away from school for quite some time. However, not many people may know why.

It’s May of my senior year. I had always predicted this would be the time where I would be relaxing, enjoying what was left of high school, and getting mentally prepared to move away for college. However, things don’t always turn out as planned. Instead, I decided to do things out of order, leaving home before graduation and landing a full-time job.

In February, my mom and I began brainstorming what kind of jobs I could get to help pay for college. That is when we got the idea that I should send some pictures of mine to modeling agencies in the Los Angeles area. After sending in pictures I was fortunate enough to be signed to an agency.

Starting in April, I began going on castings for commercials and print advertisements almost everyday in Los Angeles. On my off days I was going to photo shoots in order to get new pictures to add to my portfolio, a collection of pictures casting directors look at when you go on a casting.) Instead of sitting in school, I was sitting in waiting rooms. My auditions became my tests, not something you do in a classroom. When in school I have teachers helping me to succeed. Now, I have agents supporting me.

Leaving home has been a unique feeling. I was sad to leave my friends and everything I knew behind. However, I knew I had an amazing journey ahead of me. To all of the seniors that are preparing to leave home in August I can tell you now that although it may seem scary, it’s an experience that is a part of growing up. When you first arrive in a new town it may seem intimidating because you are unfamiliar with everything and everyone. What you have to remember is that you will get used to it after awhile. I was in California for a month and it already feels like my home. I am now familiar with local restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping malls. It may take some getting used to but as long as you’re open to new experiences you’ll have a great time when you leave home.

It has been such a wild ride that I cannot believe living this life. I have a full-time job and am pulling double duty trying to complete my schoolwork from the other side of the country. Although I can say that I have not used any Algebra skills, or Chemistry equations in my new career, I feel as though school has taught me how valuable education is. I feel as though high school has taught me time management, discipline, and dedication. What I have learned working is that not only does a person need to posses these skills in order to succeed in school, but they also need these skills to succeed in the real world.

Having a real job feels like an out of body experience. One thing I have learned from this experience is that time in high school should be cherished. There’s only four weeks left however I have many memories from this year that I will never forget. Such as the Halloween senior dress up day, Varsity Boy’s Basketball’s win over CBA, (twice!) and the annual semiformal dance. High school is a once in a lifetime experience. Even though I have done things a little out of order I would never want to miss the senior events coming up. The school year is coming to an end, graduation is approaching, and I am looking forward to sharing these experiences with my classmates knowing it may be the last times we all share together.