Over the last four years at Zapata High School, my peers and I have learned things such as the structure to a great essay, what “a² + b² = c²” is used for, the scientific process, and who the 4^th president of the United States was. We’ve read, studied and taken notes galore. We’ve been given too much homework, quizzes we felt we weren’t ready for, and assignments that we longed to finish as quickly as possible. We’ve been prepped, tested, graded, and evaluated. However, when we look back at the stuff we learned in high school, I’m not exactly sure that what was in text books and study guides will be what we remember first. From the classes and experiences we had in high school, we were taught what was on the curriculum, but more importantly, we were taught real life lessons that we will be able to carry with us to wherever life leads us. After all, we learned that literature isn’t about finishing the book only to take a multiple choice/fill in the blank test on it, but about digging deep into a piece, and finding true meaning in the subtext. Algebra isn’t about getting the correct response as automatically as a calculator would, but about how to problem solve and take as many steps as needed to achieve the right answer. Anatomy isn’t about being able to memorize all the bones in our body, it is about learning how those bones come together to create something as beautiful and wondrous as the human body. The teachers and administrators of Zapata High School have opened our minds, indirectly instilling in us important lessons that will be forever useful. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that we have the tools to succeed and for that, they deserve our more earnest gratitude and sincere thank you’s.

Thank you, staff of Zapata High School.

Classmates, take a look around, take in the setting and what it really means. Talking about where we stand today will be somewhat of a difficult task for me because I have never been able to fully articulate the wonderment of it all. We are graduating. We have completed 12 years of schooling and we are prepared to venture off into the real world. From here on out, our destiny lies in our hands and we have the power, the resources, and the knowledge to mold it into exactly what we want it to be. When I put it all into perspective, zoom out and look at the big picture, I am awestruck and amazed at what we young graduating individuals have the ability to do. We have the tools to sculpt our lives into something majestic – something beautiful. Keep in mind that every masterpiece in this world was created by a dreamer – a person oozing with passion for their respective craft.

So, to my peers, I urge you to find what it is you love. Think, dream, explore. Resist getting caught up in the myth that the most important thing in life is to rack up cash – because it isn’t. Refuse to settle for mediocrity or any profession you aren’t 100% content with just because others swear you are “wasting your time” or that your aspirations aren’t good enough. Go to college because you yearn to expand your knowledge in your field of choice, not because somebody else tells you it is necessary.

So, hear me out, hear me clearly, and listen well: You, graduating class of 2012, have the potential and the means to make something big out of your life – something that you can look at and be proud of. It’s your time now – it is our time now.

During our years in high school, we have managed to leave our marks in all arenas of academia – imprints that will surely not fade, yet along the way, we have also fallen and made mistakes in our pursuit of titles, knowledge, and glory. Throughout it all, our parents, administrators, faculty, and coaches have ensured that we get up, dust ourselves off, and try again. These experiences, I feel, can be best summed up by a paraphrase that we learned while studying “The Tempest” in class. It speaks of acceptance of weakness, learning from tribulations, and forgiving ones foibles because love will always triumph.

And so today, the Mighty Hawk Class of 2012 will bid you adieu using the words of Shakespeare, as our final moments of being a senior dwindle down and come to a close:

Indulge me, forgive me, and set me free.

thisistheboywhoblockedhisownshot:

 You know, I finally read your letter and I am replying right now, because if I don’t, then I never will. I loved the section where you tried to explain your feelings. Bravo.

Maybe we see differently, but then again we are two totally different people. I can’t vow to never letting you down or disappointing you. I will, I know it. “I make plans to break plans.” Damn, I lived my life off of that quote. I know there are going to be times where I am going to let you down and I’m already thinking about ways to make up for those future times. That’s the thing, I don’t want you to trust that I won’t do wrong. I know I will. I want you to trust that I will do whatever it takes to make any little thing up to you. Don’t worry, I’ll always do my best, and that’s all I can promise.

Trust that.

I can’t expect you not to second guess our love, or to question if what you’re doing in this relationship is even right for you. There are going to be times where you’re going to need your space. Hell, there are times when I need space from myself. Just know that whenever you have these feelings or doubts, I’ll be there to show you exactly why this is right for you. I’ll be there to tell you why I’m the one.

I’m starting to realize that love isn’t about knowing that you’re not going to ever doubt the situation, it’s about knowing that no matter what doubts come into play, all you’ll have to do is look right beside you and you’ll know the exact answer to all those mental obstacles.

I hope this makes sense, but then you’re usually able to catch on to what I’m talking about.