The Last Time

Today marks the last time I'll ever do something. It's the last time I'll ever go "back to school".

To be honest, I didn't expect it to be this sad. All the time, children say they can't wait until it's over, but it has been a constant in my life. I don't know any different. I only know grades. I don't know payroll and fighting for my livelihood. I only know fighting for a grade.

I remember being a wide-eyed five year old, standing at the corner of Salford Ridge, waiting for the tiny bus that would drive me and about ten others to Salford Hills Elementary School. The days I had there were ones I'll never forget. I had some of the most influential people guide me to be an outstanding individual.

I remember Mr. Purnell, the nicest and most patient man alive. I started a saying with him. "Be bright." Be a blessing to someone. Always do the right thing. He stressed how important it was to be an individual. Today, that call to action is not heard so strongly, but it should be.

I remember Mr. Weinberger. The most eccentric teacher ever. "Attention everybody. The phrase of the day is first. It is pronounced..." I remember learning about Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece...the adventures and wisdom that the ancients have and how it affects today.

I remember Mrs. Auchenbach. My first mentor. One who wasn't exactly loved by the students, but if you got to know her, she was a bevy of information. She was someone that got life, and understood why I was bullied. She gave me strength. I should thank her someday.

I remember Mr. McClintock. My second mentor. He was someone that was able to give me strength. He taught about Medieval history...something I still love to this day. His class was always informative, and it filled my imagination.

And most of all, I remember Ms. Brand. The one that got me in this mess in the first place! She's the one that told me that I need to express myself. I shouldn't be afraid of who I am. She told me to use my voice for something. I plan to use it for two reasons, actually. In any case, she may be the single most important piece to who I am today.

So many memories race back. So many "first day" feelings. The warmth outside, the excitement of a new year, the challenges that awaited. I never thought it would end. I thought that was life. The years went on, and it was an expectation. Why would things change? Why would things become more complicated?

Because that's just life, that's why.

It's hard to believe this is the beginning of the end of my life as a student. Soon, it'll be my turn to be a voice that someone listens to. Soon my livelihood will be on the line to the tune of how many people listen to me. There are times I barely feel ready, but people tell me I am. I don't want to disappoint anyone. I can only hope they're right.

It's back to that whole complacency thing. It was an inevitability, but one we stashed aside. We're just students, and we always will be. Obviously...not the case.

It's all about soldiering on, and finishing school the way I want to. I want to finish as a polished academic, and an ardent soul. I want to be someone that Millersville University lists on notable alumni. I want to be someone that the history books talk about. I want to be that guy.

So...here's to the future.