Much to my regret (and perhaps to your joy), this is the last installment of Jake’s Take. Two years ago, I had no idea what this small, recurring column would become. What was supposed to be my opinion on sports quickly turned into my take on life, with a sprinkle of athletics thrown in. And let me tell you, it’s been fun.  I’ve ranted, questioned, cussed (whoops), and simply told how it is.

So for the final time, I’m going to give you my take, featuring key ideas that I find important. What better way to close out my time as a writer than by highlighting things I find meaningful, right? You may not agree, but I’m leaving in a month so take up your complaints with next year’s editor. If nothing else, just take it for what it’s worth.

Earn Your Success. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that one of life’s greatest feelings is the pleasure granted by earning something great. Busting your butt to achieve success is truly a fulfilling experience. After all, nothing in life is ever free (regardless of how much Bernie Sanders wants you to think it is). I can’t stress this enough. This is America; pick yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work. Push yourself in the classroom, on the field, and in your everyday life. Greatness is out there; it’s up to you to buckle down and pursue it.

Have Thick Skin. One thing I quickly learned at The Academy is that not everyone will agree with you. (Wait, really? No way!) All sarcasm aside, it’s true. Knowing this, you have one of two options: complain and create problems, or suck it up and move on. Don’t be that guy (or girl) that makes a big deal out of nothing. Disagreement is a part of life. Walk away. Ignore people. Grow thick skin. If you can’t, find a safe space and talk it out there.

Show Respect. You’ve heard it a million times here in the Glass Castle, but it cannot be said enough. Showing respect to your peers and competitors is extremely important both in sports and in life. No one remembers a disrespectful kid. They’re a dime a dozen. Stand out from the crowd. Be kind to your peers. Be fierce on the field. Strive to be humble in victory and in defeat.

Enjoy Yourself. Believe it or not, you’ll eventually be done with high school. Ask any senior, and their first day of freshman year seems only a few days ago. Knowing this, don’t waste your high school years doing things for the wrong reasons. The image you hold yourself to now will soon only be a memory. Don’t play a sport or act a certain way simply to uphold your image. Believe it or not, you aren’t as cool and important (or as uncool and unimportant) as you think you are. So step outside the box. Challenge yourself. Enjoy high school, because it’s over in a flash.

Westminster: thanks for bearing my opinion one last time. I’ve had fun sharing it with you. So for the last time, my name is Jake, and this has been my take.