Progress is Usually the Last Thing on a High School Senior's Mind

There are currently less than fifty school days left in my senior year of high school. I know this because every day since January I've been checking off the days till freedom. However, it isn't only the end of high school I'm awaiting; it's the beginning of college and the myriad of experiences that expectedly follow. Progress is maintaining a 3.0 and remaining an active volunteer at the local Boys and Girls Club even though I am fully aware of how few days I have left of this school year. Staying committed to what's important despite the temptation to slide and stop caring is what progress requires. Progress means I care enough to do something, whether I'm only maintaining something or helping something new flourish.
Earlier in my high school career I would have stated progress simply meant getting an A over that B+ on the next Spanish quiz or shaving some time off my personal best for cross-country. Now it signifies something greater, a personal choice to better myself for my own purposes not because of external pressures like coaches, friends, or even family. The progress I'm making in my studies is going to benefit me, and soon enough will land me in a college classroom learning all there is to know about becoming a nurse. Progress can come in many forms like through industry and medicine, or it can be personal like doing something to better yourself. My progress will benefit myself and later on will help any others who I get to care for as a nurse. That will be the end result of my progress, a gift to others and myself.
Eventually all of the school days will be crossed out on my calendar and I'll be enjoying the carefree summer that follows senior year; however, I'll be approaching the next platform in my life. Life may get progressively harder that first year of college; however, what good is life without a challenge? My progress is solely in my hands and that fact doesn't scare me in the least. I know what I have to do if I want to succeed and I guarantee my progress reports next year will show my dedication to progress.