Escapism

Hello everybody! Good evening to everyone present tonight: parents, students, teachers, and comrades. As salutatorian I had a most troublesome time deciding on what message I would like to act as my last major farewell to my fellow classmates and to everyone who graced us with their presence tonight. During my process of asking friends, teachers, and family on what I should share, I discovered a meaningful fact that sparked an idea in my mind. I decided, why not just write about these wondrous people who help shape and create me, molding me into who I am and what I will become. So here I go!

First and foremost, family. Family has played a giant part in sculpting us. To our family members, we were a fresh piece of stone. They were the first to chip away and create us, slowly defining parts of us. And when something went astray or too much was chipped off, family helped to re-sculpt and perfect us again. Supporting us in the good and the bad times allowing for knowledge through pain, happiness through success, and a life with no regrets.

During these past four years of high school I was also privileged with multitudes of memories and experiences. This was very much thanks to my teachers, advisors, and leaders. You all created a welcoming and wondrous environment. Every day was another day for a miracle. School became the perfect nest to rest our wings until we were ready to face the world on our own, to take the risk and jump off the edge of the world, to learn how to fly. You nurtured us into eagles, brave and strong. Now as we take our first step, we know how to soar.

As I open the door to a new beginning, I cannot help but reminisce and hold tight to these times I’ve had with my fellow classmates. You guys taught me how to laugh uncontrollably, to help others for the slightest glimpse of a smile, and to create bonds of gold and silver. We became a family. Whenever I felt discouraged or intimidated, you guys were always rooting me on. If I needed a hand, there were twenty. You all picked up chisels and hammers to help in the making of the masterpiece of myself. Taking your time with care and fondness. You all left a mark in my life, changing me to be who I am now.

Class of 2012, you are a group of some of the most extravagant and amazing people in this world. Alex Noble says, “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” Wherever your travels and adventures take you, just remember that you are who you are and no matter what happens, you can fly.

Triumph. What is triumph, that is the question. Perhaps it is a soldier running back into fire to rescue a fallen comrade, like Forest Gump. Perhaps it is running for candidate and becoming the first black President, like Barack Obama. Or perhaps it is finding a cure for cancer or a way for humans to fly without machines. But to me, triumph is merely getting hit in the face with a kick ball.

Yes, I just stated that triumph is getting hit in the face with a ball. In the fifth grade I did just that. As most people know, an option of activity for recess during the elementary school years was playing kickball. In which case, at my school, every student who wished to play would be requested to line up along a single white line depicting the out of bounds line running from third base to home.

And then wait for their impending doom.

Naturally, the two best players would be unanimously nominated as team captains, and in turn they would slowly take their turns in choosing team members from the long line of candidates. As a candidate, with each turn that left you without a team you would gain the creeping, lamenting knowledge that because you weren’t picked you were obviously the less than ideal player. In other words, you sucked. In my case, I was usually the last candidate who was fated to join the less-than-fortunate team to have me by default.

But, on one eventful day during recess, I was able to catch a ball. Not just any ball, but a ball from one of the best players. As the least skilled player, I never caught a ball. How did this happen? Well, while I was minding my own business, manning third base, Taylor Richardson kicked the ball sending it flying straight for my face. And as stunned as I was, I couldn’t move. But luckily, I captured it against my face before it could fly off again. So accomplished did I feel that I did not feel the pain at all. I was too busy being in awe at actually catching a ball, especially a ball that was just kicked by one of the good players.

That was my triumph. So happy was I from my success that I didn’t even think of the obstacle. This I believe. I believe in working towards your goal. I believe in overcoming obstacles and hindrances. I believe that even though it may be a difficult climb, once you reach the top, the scene will be worthwhile. The memories and bruises will all become cheerful remembrances. Like people say, you’ll think back on it and think how funny or ridiculous it was. And that is all possible because you triumphed in the end.

I stand over the town, immobile but strong
ticking, ticking, as I watch the people below
With my single whisker moving with the seconds
My hands never grow tired as I stretch them across time
The power within me allows my ding, dong, dang
And with each passing second, my heart continues to turn
On and on I spread my hands through time
Until the day my heart stops,
And my time is no more

So I’m satisfied. :) Just completed the second book in Night World series. CAlled Daughters of Darkness..

It’s very simple and flows good. And it doesn’t have too many dramas. Theres one main conflict and they go after it. The romance is cute. One that I love… when a guy falls in love with a girl he swears he hates. It adds to it. Makes is cute and undeniably fun to read.

But yeah, overall it was a good book. I liked it A LOT!