The End: A Graduate’s Reflection

I graduated.

I am a graduate of Kearney High School.

I’ve completed high school.

No matter how many times I say it, or how many different ways it can be articulated, I still can’t believe that I’ve graduated. Since freshman year we all envisioned the day that we would obtain our freedom from the public school system, and that day, was a beautiful day. Along with 310 classmates, I graduated, and finished the first chapter of my life.

The past eighteen years have brought a roller coaster of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine trading a single minute of it. Looking back, I’m amazed at all that I’ve been able to accomplish, and at the number of people who have helped me get to where I am today. I’ve struggled with friendships, loss of loved ones, my faith, and academics; but for every stumble, God placed someone in my life to help me get back up. I’ve been so blessed by all the people who love and support me, all my friends, my teachers, and my parents. I’ve been given opportunities to play with musicians in the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, spread God’s love with the Missouri United Methodist Conference Council on Youth Ministries, feed the mouths in soup kitchens and food pantries, be a member of the All State Band, speak in front of hundreds of pastors at Annual Conference, and spend 14 weeks doing mission work, with 8 more added on this summer. I have been so very blessed these last eighteen years, and I cannot thank everyone enough for all that they have done to help me grow into the person that I am today.

~Peace and Love, Abb