New Chapter

It’s amazing to have the feeling of being done high school. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this boat. I felt compelled to share my experience to hopefully give peace to upcoming students. High school wasn’t easy for me, but somehow I made it through. I’m confident in saying that the “somehow” was because of God. I grew so much my senior year that it’s hard for me to remember it all. I constantly struggled with feeling like I was worthless or just alone but God would always come around and wrap me in His arms to help me. It’s because of Him that I am able to even blog about my life because before, I would’ve been nervous about saying something wrong or just not coming across as a humble and genuine person through the internet. Growing up in a place where I was constantly rejected and looked down upon for following Christ was really hard to deal with for many years, but deciding to take up my cross, no matter the circumstances or responses I’d get, was the best decision I have ever made through my school career. I had my ups and downs, never made life-long friends, and truly felt like I could never be myself, but all in all, I wouldn’t trade my high school experience for any else because God has taught me so much through it all. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be ashamed of who I am, and that being a tiny little girl in a big world doesn’t make me any less of a powerful or fortunate person than the next one. I’ve gained a certain confidence in myself that I never would have had by attending a different school. To all those who read my blog, thank you for your support and love. To all those who are heading into their final years of high school, be you, and don’t change that for anyone. Strive to be your absolute best, and when it comes down to it all, just remember that God deserves ALL the glory.

I had the amazing opportunity to speak at my high school graduation and I have been praying strongly on whether to share my speech or not and I believe God has asked me to do so. It doesn’t just have to apply to my Class of 2012 peers, but to children, teens, and adults. I can’t describe the feeling to you that I had by speaking this in front of everyone, but let my please just tell you that God came over me, protected me, guided me and spoke through me. Blessings to you all!

2012 Graduation Speech

” The smiles, the laughs, the tears…memories were made, no doubt.

And quite frankly, that’s what high school is all about.

The past, the future, the old, the new

Pictures of diversity, yet community is what we drew.

WE are Bearcats.

Now listen close,

For my words are of our echoes.

What you are about to hear,

Shall be comforting and sweet to your ear.

Hard work is no match for our excellence,

For we achieve beyond brilliance.

Now is our time to part,

But forever will York High be in your heart.

We ARE Bearcats.

It’s more than the clothes you wear or the car you drive,

Because it’s about what you have inside.

Created in each one of us is a unique beauty,

So why waste what you know is your duty?

For some of us, York High was our home,

But for all of us, we made the experience our own.

Take the memories, blessings-filled,

And apply to life all of which we got to build.

WE are Bearcats.

Whether overseas or local,

Never refrain from being vocal.

Stand like a rock, firm in your beliefs

For your joys and treasures may be snatched from the thief.

We learned from more than just books.

But how to give back in service for what all we took.

For those that we saw in the halls or on the streets filled with sorrow,

We were able to give them hope for a better tomorrow.

Staying focused may have been hard,

But for your effort you are starred.

From homework to tests, you’ve seen it all,

Now you’ve been prepared for what’s ahead next fall.

We ARE Bearcats.

Smart is not something you are but something you get.

So don’t be afraid against any worldly threat.

You know who you are, and how far you’ve come,

So be proud in that, and for who you are to become.

We are reminded to always do our best,

But that isn’t just for tests.

My friends, your life is just about to begin,

And that in itself is worth giving a grin.

WE are Bearcats.

Life, we call it a story.

Looking high in the sky to give God back all the glory.

We now begin a new chapter,

Just by simply looking forward, not after.

History has been made,

For we never hid in the shade.

From academics to sports,

We all collided in support.

We are THE Bearcats.

As birds fly out of their nest,

We too, shall soar above the rest.

For our destiny lies not a far,

But deep down within, we’ll discover more of just who we are.

Obstacles will be thrown,

But victory has developed as we’ve grown.

As soon as someone says, “You can’t.”

Look at them and say, “I’m above that 95%.”

WE are Bearcats

For every moment that you feel lost,

Never forget Who’s life paid your cost.

Grace like rain,

Has released you from all of your pain.

You may not even know,

But today marks the start to our new show.

And just by accepting His “Come to Me.”

By your side is where He’ll always be.

We. Are. Bearcats.

Follow your hearts and forever be yourselves,

Oh, and one last thing, Congratulations Class of 2012!!! ”