Graduation!

Sorry I am just now getting to this…

I am finally a high school graduate! Graduation was the most surreal feeling of my life thus far. As “pomp and circumstance” began to play I realized my days of high school were finally coming to a close; that my perseverance through all my struggles was finally paying off. I was really graduating. Walking to the song I heard people yell and cheer me on. I was the first graduate to be called. I finally did it! It felt amazing. I smiled thinking that all the people who told me I couldn’t graduate on time were wrong. Every hardship that was put it front of me, I finally overcame. Graduation ended and I couldn’t wait to go see my family and friends who have cheered me on all these years.

Before getting to my family I saw the one person from my school that has cheered me on since my freshman year, my advisor. She was the one who opened the door and encouraged me into going to Vineyard so I could work hard to graduate on time. When I went back to Livermore High, she was the one who worked out my classes and made me feel somewhat welcome. When I saw her on campus, she always asked how I was and if I needed something. When I saw her after graduation I gave her a hug and told her “I wouldn’t be here without you! Thank you making this possible for me!” She started to cry and said “Kelli, you finally did it! Nothing else can get in your way! Make me proud!”


After that, I found my friends and family waiting to greet me with big hugs and great smiles. I felt I made them proud. For many, graduation is a sad event. Saying goodbye to high school was the happiest and saddest of times for many of my peers. For me, this was the most exciting time of my life. No one should be surprised that I am not upset about getting out of high school. This is just the beginning for me. The best is yet to come!

SENIOR BALL

Seesterly love <3

Girls
My Handsome Date, Chandler
I Love Flip Flops! (especially with glitter!)

SMILE
Getting My Corsage
Chandler and I
Don't Mess With Us
Princess Dress

Almost Done!

Today I began my last week of high school! It is weird, exciting, and feels totally surreal. It seems like it was just yesterday, I was in elementary school. Now I am going to be a high school graduate. I cannot describe how weird it feels that it is finally my turn. Today I took a look back to see how it all began.

Most of you know that high school has not been a great experience for me. It started rough due to the headache and I was told I would most likely have to graduate a year late. However, I worked my butt off to defy my odds. I am graduating on time! When I transferred to LHS I felt alone and it was one of the most challenging adjustments in my life. I know the only reason I made it through in once piece was because of my friends, family, and a wonderful teacher who always encouraged me to keep going. Thank you all! At the end of the year I finally made a friend and it stated to not be so scary. This year I wanted to feel like this was really my school. I think I have done it.

In a few short days I will walk across the stage as they call my name to hand me my diploma. I will have finally done it! I will have accomplished my biggest goal in life so far! I am so excited and happy to be finally done with high school!!!!

1 Week!

My best friend comes home in 1 week! I am SO excited for her to spend the summer at home with me. I love her and can't wait until we can hang out again!!!

GO GATORS!

It’s official! Actually, it has been for some time now, but next fall I will be attending San Francisco State University! I will study Child and Adolescent Development (no, I don’t know what I want to do with that yet). After finally sitting down and doing some real research about my different options, I loved San Francisco and the opportunities I may have along the way. I visited the campus, and fell in love. I could really see myself there. It felt like I belonged, it felt like home. My decision was FINALLY made. It felt like a humungous weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I’m very excited about starting a new journey at SFSU this fall.

Not an Ordinary Thursday

Thursday seemed like an ordinary Thursday for me. Busy. I was onto my next stop at the first grade class I help out in. Like a normal driver, I stopped at a stop sign-how clever? I came to a full and complete stop, looked both ways, and then proceeded to go through the intersection. When I was almost halfway through I realized the enormous truck that seemed so far away at the time was not slowing down. He was going about 40 in a 25 zone. I freaked out. I didn’t know what to do and didn’t have much time to figure it out either. No matter what I did, he was going to hit me. I was sure this was it for the purple protégé and me. I closed my eyes, tensed up every muscle in body, and watched my short 18 years flash before my eyes. There was a horrible screeching sound, but no flip, no jolt, nothing else. I opened my eyes to see if I was dead or if I didn’t feel it because I was so scared. The answer: neither. To my surprise the enormous truck stopped literally a ¼ inch from my door. In fact he may have tapped it slightly. I didn’t move as the man in the truck backed up and maneuvered around me. He drove away apologizing and feeling very bad. After he left, I pulled to the side of the road, tried to remain calm, and I went on my way. I made it out with nothing but some stiff muscles and maybe a tiny dent in my car. However, I’m not sure I will take that route again.

So Long, Farewell...

Dear Headache,
I am so extremely tired of having you around! Today marks the 4th year of you being a part of my life. My life completely changed because of you- and not in a good way. Without you, I imagine that I would be completely different. I see myself loving high school, not being afraid of being too tired or hurting to much to hang out with people, and having confidence in myself. The truth is I will never be able to this with you around. Please, go away! You have way overstayed your welcome. You make me not feel like a normal kid. Normal kids don’t live in constant pain, have spinal taps or take medication up the yin-yang. Normal kids go to the doctors to get an answer, but I go expecting they won’t know how to help at all. I wish everyday that it will be our last together. That I will wake up and the pain you give will have miraculously disappeared. I am asking that you please go away; that you go and never ever return. I hope that by March ’09 I will celebrate you being gone and not be down in the dumps about having a 5th “anniversary.”

Peace Out,
Kelli