I’ve been known to give the people I love mixtapes as gifts over the years, and I thought the only fitting way for me to leave Harvard-Westlake was to dedicate a mixtape to it.

So, Harvard-Westlake, this one’s for you.

1. “I’m Sticking with You” — Velvet Underground

I was a new incoming sophomore at Harvard-Westlake, so I was super nervous coming in. For the first six months, I basically held onto my best friends from elementary school Jo Kremer ‘14 and Kristen Goldberg ‘14 and never spoke to anyone else. Thankfully, I branched out and made new friends, but it definitely took a while.

2. “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” — The Smiths

Basically epitomizes my (futile) quest to get an A on any English essay. Not only is the song title self-explanatory, but the despair with which Morrissey delivers the lyrics mirrors my state of mind during one of the many all-nighters I endured while trying to attain the impossible.

3. “Say Yes” — Elliott Smith

Let’s be honest: every high schooler goes through a “teen angst” phase, and Elliott Smith was (and still is?) a big part of mine. Whenever I got angsty and watching “My So-Called Life” or writing terrible slam poetry wasn’t enough, Elliott Smith’s albums (played on vinyl, duh) were my best friends.

4. “You Oughta Know” — Alanis Morissette

One of the best break-up jams of all time, obviously. This song (along with chick flicks and good ol’ Ben & Jerry’s) has gotten me through a lot of boy drama over my high school career, and definitely deserves a place on this list.

5. “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” — Snoop Dogg

This song will always remind me of the swagger I thought I had at the beginning of senior year. I was finally the big “Dogg” on campus, and as long as I was blasting this song as I was pulling into my senior parking spot, no one could touch me. Then I realized that school was still just as stressful as it was before, and there were still plenty of underclassmen that were way cooler than me.

6. “Sorry, Blame it on Me” — Akon

This song is dedicated to the two people I parked next to this year, Tom Thorne ‘14 and Liza Woythaler ‘14. I hit both of your cars upwards of four times. There’s a reason I won the “Worst Driver” superlative. You two bore the brunt of my driving ineptitude, and for that I offer my sincerest apologies.

7. “Modern Love” — David Bowie
It only feels fitting that I end this playlist with my favorite song of all time This one goes out to teachers, friends, mentors or anyone else who has had a big impact on my high school experience. You guys know who you are.

Thank you for making my time at Harvard-Westlake unforgettable. I know that I’ll carry a piece of you all wherever I go.