The One Where I Graduate

Hey, Everyone! This girl did the thing, she got her diploma. Not without the help of some dear people. My teachers are incredible through the last few years at the co-op I have worked with me and taught me so many valuable and cherished lessons.  I have been blessed with a loving and hard-working Mother who has spent countless hours preparing and teaching lessons. She has spent time discussing, researching and praying over the best direction she needed to take with my education. My parents have encouraged me through any adventure I chose to embark on. They never let me believe I couldn't achieve whatever I set out to do. They taught me that hard work would always be rewarding, to always do best, and by example, they taught me to put others first and give when I can.
 My brother James is truly the best brother in the world. He is my sidekick in life and we have had countless adventures together. He has shown me to accept whatever happens and be happy at the moment. He has taught me that some things you just have to let roll off your back and not take to heart. My brother has been a constant support through everything I have gone through. I cherish our long talks whether they are deep and meaningful or if they are about whether or not we should have pizza or mac-n-cheese for dinner.

My family and I at my graduation

 My extended family came down for graduation all three sets of my aunts and uncles, my three cousins, both my grandmas were there and my grandfather would have been there but needed to stay with my great-grandmother. They were there in spirit and I got to see them this weekend. I truly was blessed by the loving support in honor of my graduation. I am humbled, by what an incredible family I have.
 Both the day of graduation and the day after at the party I was once again blown away by a number of friends who made time for my graduation. I wish I could have spent more time talking with each of you, but I love all of you and the sweet things you wrote. It was a joy to go over all the memories and time we have spent together.

Uncle Stretch with Katsy and
Me at graduation.

 Along the note of friendship and family, my church family has had a huge impact on my life. I truly do see them as family and they have watched me grow up. Being in a small church has allowed me to truly develop deep meaningful relationships with those in my church. I have learned so much from my peers and I know the have prayed for me and my family through difficult times.
 Graduation makes you reflect, you realize how insignificant what you did and wore in high school really are. However, you see how meaningful and treasured the friendships you made along the way are. Lessons were learned in and outside of the classroom and the textbooks. But life doesn't stop after high school, it is simply the beginning. You are now an adult and your parents will still be there to guide you, but you are building your life, You are making a life for yourself, deciding what purchases will and will not make. You will make choices about jobs, careers, and how you live your life. So the class of 2017 let's go make something of ourselves, because all of us have stories to tell, just don't forget who the writer is.