I can say anything I want. No older students to judge me. No other seniors to judge me because it’s been six years, and by now saying weird things in front of them is like talking in front of your dog. I know you are listening! I also know you don’t care!

That leaves me straight chilling. I have officially internalized a new life philosophy, after a long and traumatizing and enriching five years at Marlborough. Allow me to explain why I am just living life and feeling blessed.

I know very well the misery that can be Marlborough School for Girls. In ninth grade, I woke up at four in the morning before every ancient civ test to study. I have fond and somewhat disturbing memories of frantically pacing around my room in pajamas before the sun came up, yelling my best Doc imitations “So basically Kubilai KA-khan was ferocious! Ta’orgia!” Moments like these made my father wonder if I was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Eleventh grade felt like a blur of doing everything all the time always. A typical 24 hour period went as follows: Rise at 6 a.m. to finish Spanish homework, drive to school while listening to AP Euro lecture, take a test, do homework at break, take a quiz, review my lines at lunch, go to more classes, sprint to play rehearsal, eat dinner, drive home at 8:30 p.m. and listen to more Euro lecture while reviewing notes at stop lights, have ACT tutoring until 10 p.m., study for my AP Euro test in a frenzy until midnight just to wake up at 5 a.m.

At the end of junior year, I was greeted with a flood not unlike the one detailed in our good friend the Bible. Sixteen-year-old Natalie was Noah in that she somehow survived and is now a prophet. Right in time for APs last year, I felt physically unable to study but was not concerned. I watched TV, made small talk with my family, and hung out with friends on school nights. It was truly as insane as it sounds!

I credit my senior year good spirits to this eleventh grade free-falling fun fest (and to some healthy denial about college apps). I now have an answer for the eternal question, “But what will happen if I don’t study?!” Nothing happens! Ladies, there is no reason to be afraid. Do not underestimate the value of relaxation! I do nothing all the time now, and I am so happy! And you can, too!

YOU GO, GIRL!