Leader of Year 9 Wellbeing

Year 9 feels like living through moments that nobody truly appreciates while they are happening. Every day seems ordinary at the time- it consists of the same classrooms, the same people, the same conversations repeated between lessons yet later, those are the moments that stay in people’s minds the longest. It is strange how quickly memories are created without anyone noticing. People spend so much time waiting for something bigger or better, that they forget they are already inside the moments they will one day miss.

The Athletics Carnival felt exactly like that. Almost everyone complained about the rain, the cold weather, and having to participate while the track became wet beneath grey skies. People sat in the grandstands wrapped in damp school jumpers, savouring every minute they had before the next event. At the time, it felt inconvenient and exhausting. But if anyone were to look back on the day, they would remember a sea of house colours, and laughter breaking through house chants. Even if you aren't the person tearing down the track to break sprinting records, you can take a second to appreciate a moment before it becomes a memory.

However, it is not only big school events that become important. Sometimes the memories that stay with people the longest are the smallest ones- sitting with friends before the bell goes, hearing everyone talk over each other at lunch, or laughing so hard during class that nobody can focus afterwards. These moments seem completely ordinary while they are happening, which is why people never think to appreciate them properly. 

Year 9 feels like the time between everything. Between being younger and growing up, between childhood and whatever comes next. People are old enough to realise that time moves quickly, but still young enough to live in these moments without understanding how important they really are. Moments like this make me sad because one day I will have to leave it all behind.

By Isabella Walker ( Year 9 )