GRADUATION

The last couple weeks have been absolutely incredible.

I feel like I am on another level.

Yesterday was my graduation. It was a dream.

It took place in the Grand Old Opry. I go (went?) to an art school so our graduation is a tad bit different from normal graduations. Scratch that, they are COMPLETELY different, like night and day!

I attended Father Ryan for my first 2 years of high school. It is a private Catholic school. I went to private Catholic school my whole life until junior year of high school, when i transferred to the school of the arts. It was a hard decision and I wasn't sure if i made the right choice. It is true that i fit in better at NSA, but at the same time I missed the people who I grew up with. For both years I went to NSA, I kept wondering if I should have stayed at FRHS. I just had many mixed emotions.

Last night was the reason I went to NSA. I incredibly glad that I transferred! Graduation depicted the essence of Nashville school of the arts. Normal graduations are usually strict and boring. Ours was different. Ours was RoWdY and very fun! We had a couple AMAZING dance performances, spoken word theater skits, and lots of music and singing. There was also a slideshow of artwork on the large screens by the stage. The pop ensemble was absolutely amazing! It was truly a celebration! It was a SHOW! Everyone was getting up and dancing, clapping, and shouting. The speeches were pretty funny and it was really laid back. I was so giddy... so high... I was dreaming. It was like a hallucination!

NSA: where the boys are girlish and the girls are boyish. A place where people are dancing through the hallways. A place where kids break out into song in the middle of class, even in the moment of silence. A place where kids are playing their instruments throughout the school and where artwork is hung up in every direction. A place where you can be who you are, even if it is considered "weird" to society. NSA is like no other place. I am very thankful for the lessons i have learned, experiences that i had, and the friendships that I made. It treated me well.

So... I'm a high school graduate. UNREAL. What happens next???



THANK YOU SO MUCH to the people who came to my graduation! (and all of you who have supported me along the way!)

Mahala, my best friend at NSA (congrats girl! i couldnt have done this without you!)


Hannah, my beautiful and amazing cousin. She has been here for me since day one. I never thought my cousin could also be a best friend! I love you.


Ms. Poole.... my art teacher! Thanks for everything. I couldn't have survived NSA without being in the art room for HOURS everyday!


Max... what can i say.... you have been there for me, always. climbing... school... life experiences... SPRING BREAK! I love you, man.


my parents, OF COURSE, thank you so much for supporting me... wow... thinking about this made me just tear up!


Brandi Diane Colorigh, my best friend at FRHS. Thanks for everything. I couldn't have survived FRHS without you!!!


Josh... my best friend.... my brother.... i would be no where without you. Thanks for teaching me about climbing and about life. You mean the world to me!


Steve and Nicole.... for getting me into raw foods! You guys changed me life. Completely. I owe you so much! Thanks for everything, guys... i love you!