“Bye. I’ve been in love with you since freshman year…love you. Okay, bye. Have fun in college” or “Bye! Oh wait, my earring is stuck on your graduation gown” or even, “Hey I hope you have a really sucky summer. HYLAS (hate you like a sis).” These are goodbyes, and there is one word to aptly describe all of them. It’s one fondly known by eccentric HVA students. You have heard it; you have feared it. Wait for it… hawkward.

   Do not lie, you have been there. You have said goodbye and it has been so awkward you could hardly bear it, or you have been said goodbye to, and left completely speechless – awed that someone just said, “Oh hey gur, if you ain’t busy or married in bout five yurs, hit me up”. So you just sort of stand there like “Ohhhhh, so that is why you have been staring at me for the past four years…gotcha” and then bolt outa that place.

   Here is the thing: high school is one of those so-called “molding” times in life. You are put in a big cinder block box with a bunch of kids and somehow, you are expected to turn into a mature adult within the appropriated time. Well, here is another thing: usually, you do. You have grown to love, laugh with, laugh at, and really hate some of these people, so saying goodbye to them – to it – to high school, can be a little bit rough at times. How do you say bye to someone you really may never see again – if they meant the world to you or absolutely nothing? How do you tie up all these loose ends you have created and fix things before college, or for the underclassmen…summer vacation?

   Ha ha, here is my fix: make it short, sweet, honest, and completely hawkward. Just put it alllllll out thur. Air that dirty laundry, homegirl. Do not say goodbye wishin’ you had told this girl you are dating her boyfriend too… that is something she might want to know, like before college and everything. Just blink, smile, and put yourself out there with your goodbyes. I think that perhaps the most natural aspect of being hawkward is being free – be fearlessly honest, and don’t you worry about what they are going to say back. Heck, they may not have a chance to respond (it is up to you to give them one)!

   I know what you are thinking… this is one of my most hawkspirational and sentimental articles. I know, (sob), it pains me, but I have to say it…or you may never hear it. See that? I took the perfect opportunity to tell you something important before we part. Oh and I stalked you sophomore year. See? That too. Clearly…it’s vital.

   So one final hawkward shpeel for all of you darling senior companions of mine, I bid thee a gracious  hawkward farewell. I love you all! Don’t forget where your hawkwardness came from! Own it!

            With love, Mama Hawk[ward]