Looking Back - Similarities between High School & College

As College Graduation approaches, I have been looking back into the last few weeks before my high school graduation.

I found two poems... I found it interesting how similar feelings I had towards the end of my high school experience I am having now as college comes to a close.

The first poem is about celebrating yourself. The second refers to fears for the future. 

I hope you enjoy them!

I celebrate myself, and sing myself - 2007

I celebrate myself, and sing myself

I celebrate that teal describes who I am

Green and blue, but your never really sure which one

I like eating chips and salsa because it shows the spice in my life

But the smooth, cool ice cream also shows that I can still just chill

I take on challenges

And understand consequences

I try my hardest, even if I don’t succeed

I enjoy life and friends and memories

Busy describes my life

And full and complete describes my love

Times can be hard, but my friends are there

Even though it feels sometimes they just don’t care

I know the difference between those friends who are true and not

I enjoy a good laugh, but more so, a shoulder to understand

Pain is hard, but you can get thought it

And your attitude has a lot to do it

Parties are fun with lots of people

But sometimes small groups are exciting and more personal

I am friendly and caring

I enjoy meeting new people

And this is just the beginning

When I have fears that I may cease to be

(a) When I have fears that I may cease to be

(b) Before my sleepily eyes I do rest,

(a) For the stage lights will then never know me,

(b) For they would surely have not seen my best,

(c) The types of people I may never see,

(d) My family, my friends, my love somewhere,

(c) The waves of love roaring across the sea,

(d) Nor the glow of a gown of white to wear,

(e) And when I leave this earth to fly abroad,

(f) Legacies only I can leave behind,

(e) People think of me with a pleasant thought,

(f) Before the end, coming soon, of my time,

(g) One life ends to begin a life anew,

(g) My joyful look says simply I love you.

One Person Can Change the World

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

~ Edward Hale

I recently re-found this quote. I used in a paper that I wrote in high school that I happened to stumble upon.

This quote can go in a lot of different directions. But, there are a few particular things that stand out. 

Society today has a mindset that what we do does not matter nor does it made a difference to anyone else. It saddens me greatly to think that people feel this way, especially in a time where there is so many ways to communicate and connect with others. Society today also tries to tell us that not even everyone's life is worth it! 

I've heard that there are six degrees of separation between everyone! And with the growth of the internet and modern technology, think about how much smaller the world is becoming! 

Everyone's actions changes those around them. And with six degrees of separation, that could go a long way. A simple smile in the grocery store when you are having a bad day makes that day a better one. A hug from a friend when you are lonely can be a God-send! 

Even people who society considers outcasts and of no use can change people lives!

My mom and brothers are the perfect example of this. 

When I was growing up, many people would come up to my mom and say "Oh, are they ALL your kids?" and my mom would answer, "Yes!". People seemed shocked and would continue to ask "Are they adopted?" And of course my mom responded, "Nope, they are all mine!"

People seemed shocked that my mom would want to continue to have kids even after her second child had disabilities. But, without my mom having each of her children, even the ones that she miscarried, I would not have become the woman I am today. 

I would have a different view of the world. My friends would not have been able to hang out at my house and see all the fun chaos that I grew up in!

And, at my little brother's funeral, the Church would not have been so full that there was barely any standing room.

So, if you ask me, everyone's life is important and crucial to the life of everyone else. Each decision made has an impact on those around you. 

I will do what I can, and I will do the rest "Through Christ Who Strengthens Me." (Philippians 4:13.)