Inertia, Quicksand, and Other Things that Suck

Inertia is a physics principal that basically states that an object will continue to move (or not move) unless something stops it (or moves it). This particularly pessimistic principle proves that ours is a world of stubborn objects, staying their course or opting not to take one at all. In high school, I’ve seen this principle at work plenty of times, and I haven’t even taken physics yet. 

I’m not about to try and tackle the task of boiling down my whole high school experience to just a few silly words. However, I do believe that there is a lot to be said for the last few months of high school. 

I will start where it counts. The end.

 The way I’ve always imagined it, the end of high school begins with that initial, birth-like shock of consciousness, the sudden awareness that there is something to be aware of.  In fact, that there is everything to be aware of.  

I , being ruled by inertia and no small fear of The Unknown, have decided that this idea is very scary.

Scary.

Not thrilling, exciting, or a fantastical opportunity to become who I’ll eventually be. 

Just scary. 

This fear comes from being handed a branch while waist deep in quicksand. While it’s easy and reasonable to be scared of sinking in the quicksand, it’s utterly terrifying to think that once you haul yourself out, you are unwittingly volunteering for the next awful thing to come. 

But here’s where the whole inertia concept really starts working. Inertia tells you, “Sink. It’s easy and natural.” It manipulates you with thoughts of your empty childhood bedroom, lonely pets, friends you thought you couldn’t live without. The tiny  voice that speaks up whenever you face a big, difficult change decides to chime in.  At a time like graduation, it’s louder than ever.

 Sink. It’s easy and natural.

Amazingly, what happens next is a true testament to whatever unnatural powers incoming college freshman seem to posses. They choose a college. They pack suitcases. They leave.  Science be damned, the inevitable motion of life is a stronger force than inertia could ever wish to be. 

Literature gradually overtakes physics, proving that, as sweet as the first chapters had been, the plot seeks only to thicken. This miraculous forward motion doesn’t guarantee  a completely smooth transition but it ensures that there will be one at all.  And I’m sure as any quicksand victims can confirm, the first step towards solid ground is wiping your tears and grabbing the rope. 

The rest is up to you.