But like most things of value, earning a high school diploma requires hard work, and takes four years to accomplish. In 9th grade, I enrolled in a private school that issues an official high school transcript and diploma to home-schooled students. I had to meet requirements before receiving that long awaited, distinguished slip of paper, worthy of a fancy frame and display in a prominent place. Yet while ensuring that I've met requirements, this slip of paper can do no more than symbolize what high school means to me.

One of the requirements for graduation was a portfolio; assembling one was a fun process. It helped me realize what I accomplished during high school. My portfolio includes a research paper published in The Concord Review, essays I have written, lists of books read, evaluations from people I've worked with, awards received, and other brag-worthy items. I recommend that every high schooler assemble a portfolio, whether it's required or not. A portfolio is a nice summation of high school, reinforcing personal accomplishments, and a way to subtly congratulate yourself on achievements.

While assembling my portfolio, I realized how important it is to save what I've done during high school. That way, I had a broad selection to choose from when doing my portfolio. Everything included in my portfolio is a reminder of the hours spent and lessons learned. However, it also reminds me that slips of paper alone cannot sum up the lessons I learned from high school. I wonder what I will remember as being of greater value: Getting my research paper published in The Concord Review, or the actual process of researching the tragic Khmer Rouge takeover in Cambodia?

To graduate, I also met credit requirements and (for my personal college admissions) standardized-testing requirements. I didn't want to run out of time, miss a deadline for a test, or forget a required course (such as economics—not my forte!). So, beginning in 9th grade and continuing thereafter, I plotted the order of my courses for each grade level. I devised a timeline of what I wished to accomplish in each grade. Coordinating test dates was another challenge; I found it helpful to start as early as 9th grade doing that. Since my goals for college required standardized test scores, it was important that I knew deadlines for the SAT, ACT, SAT II's, AP's, etc. Planning doesn't have to be obsessive, and it also doesn't have to be inflexible. Nevertheless, I found having a plan in mind to be very helpful.

The process of planning also reminded me that the goal is not as memorable as the process of reaching that goal. I wonder what I will remember more: The final score on my SAT or the time spent in practice and review? I think I know the answer: I will remember the lessons I learned in discipline and determination, planning and organization, not just those about math equations and grammar.

When reviewing the steps I've taken (assembling a portfolio, and listing my course credits, activities, test results, etc.), these last four years appear systematic and ordered. If I constructed a timeline of my high school experience, the significant events would fall into place, docile and structured. I know, however, that the process of reaching these events was often less than precise. There were times of feeling overwhelmed and fearful, mixed in with moments of exhilaration, pride, and satisfaction. High school cannot be planned perfectly, step-by-step. My own aspirations changed. I developed new interests, uncovered new talents (or discarded unfeasible dreams). But one steady constant throughout high school was the setting of goals. Sometimes I failed; but often I met those goals.

The high school experience is unique to each individual. But whether you attend a public school, private school, or home-school, the learning process is valuable to anyone and should provide a great feeling of satisfaction, both during and after. Paradoxically, I've discovered that the true aim of graduation is not a high school diploma in and of itself. The true accomplishment is the process of receiving that diploma. It was through that process that I learned and grew. That lesson will last a lifetime.