The Turning of a Page

Today is my high school graduation!

It is absolutely insane to think back four years to my freshman year and just how much has changed. High school houses some of your most life-changing moments: first finals, getting your driver's license, prom and homecoming, the sports, the friends, and oh my- the drama! But, for better or worse, I've grown to love my school and all of the kids in my class. People always say that you'll leave in a better place than you started. That couldn't be more true. I've lost some people, but gained even more! 

I've gained responsibility, friendships. and mentors. I've learned what it's like to work a part-time job (an even better incentive to go to college!) on top of school work. I've learned what it takes to be a real friend... and what to look for in a friend. I've made some of the greatest memories and some of the biggest mistakes. I've traveled and learned. I've dug deeper and am on the path of really being the person that I'm capable of being, and it's crazy to think that I may have to do it all over again!

These upcoming years are going to be even more soul-searching and developing into the woman that I can become. I'll learn so much about myself, others, and my field of study. I've got college athletics, greek life, and internships  to look forward to. I couldn't be more excited!

As an official high school graduate, here I go. Into the world of college!

Quick to Anger

After the happenings in Boston yesterday, I began thinking about how angry and violent our world is. It seemed that people would get made over the silliest things: wrong food at a restaurant, a bad evaluation, or that something "isn't fair". As I thought through these ideas, I was calmed by the fact that I'm very laid back and slow to anger. I go with the flow, I don't let little things upset me, and, when given the wrong food, it just means I get to try something new! I was proud of myself for being such a "half glass full" person.

Then it hit me. I was driving home today and got caught behind a car that didn't take any chances while pulling out onto the street. And, by that I mean they let probably no fewer than 8 perfectly sane openings in traffic pass before they FINALLY pulled out!!!!! Wow! Not only am I lying to myself, but I'm pathetic to think that others are lower than myself for their anger and hostility. I experienced a classic "take the stick out of your own eye before examining the speck in another's" epiphany. After my bought of road rage and frustration passed, I felt foolish. I realized just how quickly emotions can take over, and how selfish those emotions are for everyone, including myself.

-Ghandi 

That event, plus some others of the night, helped me realize how radically my view of life and the world needs to change. Life is a beautiful time that has been granted to us. Who am I to think that I deserve this or that? I have no entitlement. What I have is a beautiful mind. A mind that can function and can carry me to worlds I'd previously only dreamed of; what am I doing wasting that on anger and frustration? What is the WORLD doing wasting that on violence and inflicting pain? I don't know, but all I can do is change me.

So, that's what I'll do.

Getting Outside of Myself

Last night was one of the most anticipated nights of my entire senior year! The Riley Dance Marathon was last night and it was an overwhelming success. We'd been planning since August, and our hard work paid off.... literally! We raised over $23,000 which put our total raised over $100,000! It was so much fun for all that were involved, and it was awesome to spend my night raising money and support for young kids. Those kids are stronger than I will ever be.

This picture was taken at the end of the night, when we revealed our earnings! Unfortunately, I left extremely sick and didn't get to see this in person. But I'm still so so happy for the results and am so fortunate to have been involved in such an incredible journey.

It feels so good to do good for others!