My Junior Year, Wrapped
Every December, Spotify releases Spotify Wrapped—an annual campaign where Spotify provides users with a personalized recap of their listening habits from the past year, including their top artists, songs, genres, and total listening minutes. As my junior year comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on all I’ve accomplished and experienced. In the spirit of Spotify Wrapped, I’ve created a “playlist” to represent my year, relating a favorite song to the most significant event of each month.
August – “Add Up My Love” by Clairo
Clairo, one of my favorite artists, had released a new album, Charm, in early July, and Add Up My Love quickly became my soundtrack for the start of the school year. Its dreamy, nostalgic tone matched the feeling of returning to familiar hallways, seeing friends again, and adjusting to new classes. There’s a certain warmth in coming back after a summer break—the mixture of excitement and slight nervousness—and this song resonated with that perfectly.
September – “Half a Person” by The Smiths
September marked a huge milestone—I turned sixteen. The song that best defines this month is Half a Person by The Smiths, specifically for the lyrics: “Sixteen, clumsy & shy.” That line felt like it was written for me, encapsulating the awkwardness, excitement, and uncertainty of stepping further into teenage years. There’s something surreal about turning sixteen—suddenly, you’re expected to be more independent, yet you still feel like a kid figuring things out.
October – “Dumb & Poetic” by Sabrina Carpenter
October was unforgettable. I had the incredible opportunity to see Sabrina Carpenter live in Nashville during her Short n’ Sweet tour, standing in a packed venue filled with energy, music, and flashing lights. Her song Dumb & Poetic captures that concert experience—the feeling of singing along with hundreds of people, lost in the moment, knowing it’s one of those nights you’ll never forget.
November – “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
November was all about opportunities. DECA competitions and BETA Convention kept me busy, filling my days with preparation, travel, and meeting new people. Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra reflects the excitement and optimism of that month, symbolizing how everything I love was finally kicking into high gear.
December – “Winter Wonderland” by Laufey
December is, of course, defined by Christmas, and Winter Wonderland by Laufey was on repeat, setting the perfect holiday mood. The cozy jazz-inspired melodies mirrored the festive atmosphere—twinkling lights, chilly air, and the anticipation of winter break. There’s something special about December nights, where everything feels just a little more magical.
January – “Glory of the Snow” by Clairo
January brought mountains of snow, transforming familiar streets into white landscapes. Days were filled with cancellations, lazy mornings, and spontaneous snowball fights. Glory of the Snow by Clairo reflects the quiet beauty of snowy days—the kind where you stare out the window, watching snowflakes drift down, feeling like time has paused for just a little while.
February – “Get’cha Head in the Game” from High School Musical
February was when everything got serious—DECA competitions demanded focus, and lacrosse season was in full swing. Get’cha Head in the Game became my pump-up anthem, reminding me to stay motivated and push through the challenges. Between early morning practices and late-night studying, this song captured the determination that February required.
March – “Crazier Than You” from The Addams Family
March was relatively uneventful, but a standout moment was watching The Addams Family Musical at school. It added a bit of excitement to an otherwise quiet month, and Crazier Than You encapsulates that experience—quirky, dramatic, and unexpected, just like the show itself.
April – “Revenge – Remix” by TryHardNinja
April was all about *Minecraft*. With the release of the Minecraft movie, my friends and I created a private server where we built, explored, and spent hours lost in the pixelated world. It became our own little escape, and Revenge – Remix by TryHardNinja, a nostalgic Minecraft song, was the perfect anthem for the month.
May – “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog
It’s currently May, and my junior year is rapidly coming to an end. There’s something bittersweet about watching the seniors prepare to leave while realizing that I’ll be in their position next year. Where’d All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog perfectly captures that feeling—the rush of time slipping by, yet the comfort of knowing I’ve made memories that will stay with me long after this year is over.
