Feature Photo By: Yucheng Zhang – Yucheng Zhang poses in China for a picture. 

By: Yucheng Zhang, Review Staff

Editor’s Note: Senior Salutes are an outlet for graduating seniors on The Raider Review staff to share their concluding thoughts about anything involving their last four years of high school/their time leading up to this point. Congratulations graduating class of 2019.

During my freshman year of high school, I tried out and played on the freshman football team. I was noticeably smaller and skinnier than everyone else on the team but regardless, I went in with an enthusiastic mindset and a hope that I’d grow another half-foot. I was 5’5 then. Now I’m 5’6. My point is, I was a tiny kid filled with a team of giant kids set out to kill each other on the field.  

I straight up did not have a good time.

I remember one time during practice I felt really light headed. My friends, being the wonderful people that they are, decided to create a game – let’s see who can make Yucheng pass out. Good news: I didn’t pass out. Bad news: I couldn’t stand upright for about two weeks after that day at practice.

Again, I straight up did not have a good time.

Or this other time, we were doing the Oklahoma drill. For those of you not familiar, all you need to know is it involves a lot of one on one contact with another player. The only problem was I was up against Carson, the biggest guy on the team. What ensued looked like King Kong holding Ann a hundred feet in the air.

I reiterate, I straight up did not have a good time.

My point is, throughout your high school career people will tell you that you should try everything at least once. I say… maybe not.

If you have epilepsy, you probably shouldn’t go to a rave.

If you have a fear of heights, you probably shouldn’t go sky-diving.

If you’re on a school-sponsored trip, you probably shouldn’t get caught taking edibles. (Not pointing fingers)

If you’re not black, you probably shouldn’t use the n-word. (Shout out Dominique)

If you are lactose intolerant… please please do not drink that milkshake and sit in front of me in class.

If you’re a small, five foot five skinny Asian kid, you probably shouldn’t play on the football team.

I’m not trying to rain on your parade, if you have a dream by all means – go chase it. All I’m saying is – life is about experiences… just sometimes the experience of not experiencing is just as valuable.