I have A LOT to do this week,
it seems like ALL my family from ATL is here which is amazing since i miss them so much and can't wait to be down there with them.
But I have like 20 ppl staying here..idk how i feel about that at all.
anyway, i've got commencement on wednesday, then a private dinner party
then intimate gathering at the crib with Touchtone and Lush and a daiquiri bar
a new phone coming and I'm expecting nothing less than stacks.
Coming empty handed isn't really an option .
Here's what I'll say on Wednesday...To Rich, Sharon, Mr. Stewart, Families, Friends, and the AFS community, Good afternoon.
There will always be that one place in our lives that draws us to remember, reflect and revisit. That one place houses the memories that helps shine light on who we are, and who we have become. For me, that one place has been Abington Friends School. AFS us hone of close and unmatched relationships with teachers and faculty, the friendships with those I’ve met along the way, and the memories are infused from Tyson House to the Meetinghouse.
During the journey that began here twelve years ago, I have been met with new challenges, new accomplishments and a host of grand opportunities. Thinking back, among a catalogue of memories, I can recall the first day of first grade. I walked into Barbara Weaver’s class, nervous and shy. Immediately, I was greeted and comforted by fellow lifers Angie Adams and Jazmin LeDuc, their smiles and energy was the light I needed. . They showed me to a cubby near theirs and from the first day of first grade to the last photo taken at senior prom, we have stuck together.
Our friendship expanded each year that
The years quickly passed from first middle school dances, to moving on from 8th grade. As I continued down the path to maturity, confronted numerous expectations, and at times, the overwhelming pressures of high school made it hard to see the road ahead. However, in the midst of it all, I was greeted with the reassurance of an outstanding grade team, faculty and community. For that, I owe nothing less than a thousand thank yous.
My most enjoyable memories at AFS, have been singing along to every song at Winterfest, cheering on my peers at sporting events, and lending my voice to PRIDE; as it was noticeably a true passion of mine. It will be hard to forget my last Arbor Day with choreography of the AFS song, courtesy of Bruce Brownell, and the many tearful moments from Candlelight to this very day, when I face of reality of having to say goodbye. From all I have to remember of this place, it will be the light that fills this community. It will be the contentment and joys of knowing that no matter how far I go, or how long I’m gone, when I come back here, the very principles that hold this wondrous community together will not have wavered, the light will still be shining.
Finally, to the Class of 2009.As we have grown, so has our spirit, our ambition and our thirst for success. Although we’ve had our moments, where we seemed behave like siblings, we made it. We made it to the day where we can stand in the light, look each other in the eyes as fellow graduates, and mature young adults ready to embark on our journeys. The feeling of sincere appreciation and love for one another is almost too much to bear. My heart is filled with the utmost respect for each one of you. I know that we all sit among the most successful CEOs, international diplomats, actors, singers, athletes, teachers, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. The journey that we are about to begin, is greater than all of us. As we all progress to the next stages of our lives, it is my hope for all of us to continue to invest in each others goals, as I have no doubt in my mind that they will be attained. Nelson Mandela said, “As we let our light shines, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. Class of 2009 let’s keep that light forever shining. I love you, Congratulations, and Thank you.