Words of Encouragement

Patrick Draughn Words of Encouragment From the outgoing class of 2012 to the incoming class of 2013 we would like to say congratulations to you all, you made it. It has been a long and the finish line is gradually approaching. This upcoming year will be the best and worst time s of your high school experience. There will be times when you can’t wait to get to school to show off your new outfit or to attend homecoming week. There will also be times where school is just not where you want to be today and your body will go but your mind stays at home.These times will come and these times will go but the one thing you must remember is not to forget why you come to school. Do not forget why you are attending high school. Don’t forget about the test on Monday because you were out with your friends this weekend and didn’t feel like studying. Don’t forget about the paper due next week because you were too busy deciding what to get Brittany or bobby something for t heir birthday. Don’t be late to class because you couldn’t decide what to wear with your fresh outfit or what accessories will match your dress.No this is not the time to slack off now is not the time to conduct the infamous virus known as senioritis. Now is the time to focus on your studies, guide your way through the path to graduation, and if you decide start figuring out what college you would like to attend if you haven’t decided already. To the prospective college students now is definitely not the time to get behind on your studies but to get a study plan started. Trust me it will be a necessity. I know there will be times where you feel like giving up and wanting to quit.I’ve been there, I’ve been up all night typing papers and having to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning for class. I’ve been beaten up in practice and having to come home to chores, siblings, and homework. I had the job where you had to work on weekends and homework was due Mondays instead of Wednesdays. I never said the road to graduation was easy but I promise it will be worth it, and after that road ends many more roads will begin to form. It’s always wise to plan your next destination and whether it may be college, military, workforce, or etc. make sure you’re making the right decision for yourself and no one else.You have control of your own destiny. I remember my senior year I was commander of the entire ROTC at my high school, captain of two sports teams, and I also had a job. Although there were times when giving up felt like the easiest thing to do I had to sit back and think was it the RIGHT thing to do. I received many rewards; honor roll, medals, even a state championship ring so it’s say to say I have accomplished many things throughout my high school experience but my biggest achievement was walking across that stage looking my principal in his face and shaking his hand while he gave me my diploma.I k new that I was finally finished everything was complete. I remember sitting down with my grandmother who is is a big influence on my life. We sat down and talked about college she told me how no one in our family has ever been to college and if I decided to go id be the very first. That was more than enough motivation for me to choose the right path for me so hopefully the right path for you students will be easy as well. In choosing your path I want you to remember one thing that my grandmother always told me.My grandmother was a very wise woman and although we had many conversations I never remember them all but I do remember that specific conversation over the rest because she told me something that has been engraved in my mind ever since that night. She said people can take a lot of things from you money, cars, clothes, homes, even your life; but there’s one thing no one will never be able to take from you and that’s your education. So to the upcoming senior class of 2013 I say good luck congratulations and may your road or path guide you to your destiny.