Class of 2010, we rule

Sent my deposit. I am officially a student at Transylvania University. I schedule classes soon, my prom is next weekend, and graduation is flying towards me. I am honestly very shocked that I made it through high school. Many friends were lost throughout the four years - mostly to car crashes, but also to suicide and even just to separate ideals. I did not suspect freshman year that I would be among the survivors walking across the stage in ugly purple gowns and those funny hats. Looking back on my high school experience, I am very glad it was a typical one: I was goth, joined drama club. I was a memberof the marching band, became terribly addicted to Mountain Dew, and joined just about every club in the school plus AP and dual credit classes. I stressed over finals and relationships to the point of pulling out my hair - to the brink of life, even. I went to school with all of those stereotypes you ought to have known. I lived, I loved, I felt awkward sexual tensions and lost friends. I nearly ended my own life. And yes, my art teacher wore lots of sweater vests. I am very happy, looking back on my high school, the sweater vests, my band director's crazy tie collection. Even seeing my band director cheering from the football stands in my head as I took the ACT. I think to skipping class in the Latin room and insisting to my Latin teacher & her current class that we were bffs. And I am very happy I experienced all I did and learned so much from it. Thank you, HCHS Class of 2010! Ugly ties rule the world and having prom in the school's gym actually does count as a prom. And thank you anyone at the high school who tried to be nice to me. I may not be exceptionally articulate about things, but I do see it when you try to help me, and do what is right, even if it is only right by you. Sometimes these things were the only things giving me faith in humanity. But I could not tell you this. It was not your struggle, it was not your experience. Thank you, my friends, for saving my life. The Class of 2010, you are the world now. I know we will succeed. I already have. And for this, I thank you.