It didn't seem so long ago when I myself graduated from AHS
I remember, singing the school song feeling that magical tug at my heart strings--a tingling vibration throughout my being, a connection. An understanding that I am/will be leaving and these peers and memories I have made and found but which stays, formed, continue forming a part of me, and that I will always be so proud of, throughout the years. Today. I witnessed RV students graudating. Their child-like but honest thankyou speeches brings back not only memories, but a strengthened belief that sometimes, leaving is not the end. It opens a new chapter which is an ever open road for us to travel on in our lives. Always with surprises, treasures wanting to be found. Always, full of challenges, we think we can never overcome but will surmount. A long road of self discovery, that we must trust ourselves we will always learn more and surprise ourselves along the way. Life is less like a book or a story, and our search for the totality may perhaps be futile. It is more like what Virginia Woolf describes as crystal sometimes held under the light, the beauty of which these crystallized moments gives our existence meaning.

Yes, I think I have changed. And I will continue to change. But I can say that I am thankful for these changes. Saying goodbye to a place, to a part of yourself, to growing up, venturing forth is not easy. It never is, but somehow I do know in some deeper part of my being that--it is all part of a larger pilgrimage in life--a sacred journey to go the distance, test our limits and to take flight beyond even our own imaginations.

Sometimes, I still feel like a child before the world. It is with curiousity and a tingling anticipation that I will leave this place I have grown up and matured with people I trust and love--very dear friends who has taught me so much about life and myself. It is with the same sense of curiousity, a child sees the world as if bathed in a magical light when everything is questioned. Everything is a new possibility and a kind of innocent fearlessness, I hope I venture into whatever comes ahead. It is not just me--leaving. But all friends share my journey. All of us have our own paths and callings, desires in the hearts which always require courage and a strong leap of faith to stop stop stop rationalizing but just to live. Every moment, every single moment. Like how we used to champion Carpe Diem. It is still there, still the same, calling us to live out the moments, the moments.