Yesterday, June 13, 2018, I graduated from high school. That is SO WEIRD to think about. It is strange to think that my years of high school are over, when not too long ago I thought it would never end. In the past, I would think about my high school graduation, and how good it would feel. In a way, it does, but in another, it feels… sad? depressing? I’m not sure if either of those words are the right fit, but it’s something along those lines. Everyone keeps saying how they are “so happy” to be graduating high school and (for most people) leaving the comfort of their home and place that they have known and grown in. I can understand wanting to start the next part of your life in college or wanting a fresh start in a new place, but isn’t it hard to leave home?

Charlotte is where my family is, and even though I may not always like Charlotte, it will always be the place where I grew up. The place that I call home, because as the saying goes, “home is where the heart is”. My whole heart is with my family, and if they are in Charlotte, Charlotte is home. It is hard for me to think about how in a very, very short 2 months I will be leaving for college. As many of you know, I will be attending Western Carolina University in the fall. WCU is in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and if you aren’t familiar with that town (it’s okay I wasn’t either), it is right up there near Tennessee. That’s 3 hours from here. Now, I know that might not seem like a lot, but any distance is a distance. That’s 3 hours away from my family and friends who will be staying in Charlotte. In my heart, I know that the distance will do me some good. It will teach me to be more independent and learn how to be on my own. It will be a good experience, but it will still be weird not being with the people I’m closest too.

On the other hand, graduation is exciting! It signifies the end of this part of my life, meaning I can move on to grow and experience new things. I love WCU. The school is amazing, and I have a roommate whom I already know. I can already tell that I am going to love it up there. College will be an exciting time. A time where I can discover more about who I am and learn more about the world. Leaving home will teach me things that I couldn’t learn here in Charlotte. I mean, if I’m being really honest, I’m going to be home at least one weekend a month, because I really just can’t be away from my family for that long. The concept of leaving home scares me, but I know that it will all work out. I have always believed that everything works out the way it’s supposed to, in accordance with God’s plan, so even though I have doubts, I know that He will guide me in the right direction.

Even though in my mind there are positives and negatives to graduating high school, the most important thing is that I have faith in myself, and faith in God, that He will lead me where I need to go. College is the next step in finding my purpose in life that God has made for me. I cannot wait to find out what He has in store for my future, and I have a feeling that He has good things planned for me in college. I hope that I am able to grow and find myself and what I’m good at. It won’t be easy, but I am capable of all things through God.

Thank you for everyone who has helped me in my journey through high school, and school in general. From Pineville, to Ballantyne, to Community House, to South Meck, to Ardrey Kell, it has been a wild ride. I have learned so much about myself and others. I have met some of the greatest people and had some of the best experiences, neither of which I would trade for the world.

Thank you, it’s been real. I can’t wait for the next chapter!

With Love,

Emily

 

Song of the Post: “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

I chose this song today for a couple of reasons. First, because it is the last song that I sang with my school choir yesterday at graduation. It has become a special song to me for that reason. And second, because the song symbolizes living your life to the fullest, and not being afraid to take chances. I thought it was fitting, with graduation and all 🙂 I’m sure most of those who read this have already heard this song, but if you haven’t, give it a listen!