New Ends..

As we grow up everyone always says there's always new beginnings. But today, today is a new end. It's the end of High School, the end of a chapter with all these people I have known since the very beginning of school, when we were learning how to color in the lines. And along the way we have all learned how to color outside of the lines. Today is a new end. It's something that I've never experienced before. Don't get more wrong I am more than ready, the uncertainty of the future excites me. When the final bell rings and everyone goes their separate ways, goes to college all the way across the country or right here in town, joins the work force, and God Bless those who are going to fight for our freedom we will all remember this as the place we call home. Thank you to all who have taught me so many lessons about life, myself, and the world. From here on out I am no longer a high school student. Which, frankly that feels liberating. But it also makes me tear up. So many of these faces I see every day I won't see a single day again, and the ones I hope to see I hope, I do. Right now I feel like I know a lot about who I am as a person. I know that the future will only change me even more, but right now. This is advice to myself. Take it as you wish and at your own discrepancy. But over the past 17 years, this is what I know.

1. I like passion. I remember distinctly sitting in A.P. Bio and having someone come in and he told us about all of these trips he went on studying animals and medicine (and for the record I am no biologist I like words) and his face just lit up. I like people with passion. Never lose passion, no matter how society conforms. Rebel with passion.

2. I am emotional. Yes, extremely. People who are close to me know and understand that I am emotional. But I like to think it's because I have a big heart. But, make sure not to let your emotions take over your relationships. Don't let them control who you are. Don't be afraid of them, but also don't get lost in the them.

3. Friends are something to hold on too. But- sometimes not too tight. I have had a lot of friends and still do but don't feel like because you are friends with someone that you have to be them. Hold them close but also not too close. I have found that my high school is full of people that simply have in common the color of my skin and the mortgage on my house. Be who you are at all times. No matter what. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb because sometimes the people that you will become the best friends with are the unexpected ones.

4. Dad and Mom are always right. Don't get into trouble. Stay on the right path. Sure, they might not let you go to parties and do things that aren't smart at 15. But it's for your own good. I promise by the time you are a senior you will thank them. Stay on the right path, stick to your morals. Now sometimes your parents might not always be right about other things, but the big things, Trust them, they've been through it.

5. Work hard, keep your mouth shut. This is something my dad has taught me all my life with everything. Don't complain. Just work your butt off. It isn't worth it to complain about things and beg for the grade or bribe for more playing time. You get what you earn, not what you want.

6. Life goes on. When the going gets tough. Don't give up. I know it's hard when things happen and you feel like it's over but understand it's not. Push through the bad to get to the good. Love the ones who treat you right and forgive the ones who don't. Oh- and sometimes Starbucks and milk duds help.

7. Celebrate. Always celebrate the good no matter how little. Celebrate the things that others don't think are worth celebrating. Just do it. Be happy. Acknowledge the good. Find the little reasons to be happy instead of the big ones to not be. Positive energy, that's so important.