Yesterday I was fourteen and walking through the lobby for the first time, when all of a sudden I am approaching my senior year and preparing for a whole new kind of freshman year. I learned very quickly that the rumors of how difficult junior year was supposed to be were true. Around Christmas vacation a friend joked that it seemed “everyone’s fashion sense went down the drain.” Those girls who previously waltzed into the gym in the morning primped, groomed and in perfectly coordinated outfits now slowly made their way up the hill, bundled and comfortable, a warm thermos of coffee, the only accessory worth being bothered for in the morning. I was never one of those girls and I found it amusing that my sloppy style was finally “in.” This year has been stressful to say the least; the difficult workload and anticipation of graduation were only half the battle for me. I remember in the first few weeks of school that Ms. Squier warned her period one class that in the next year we may find ourselves a little sleep deprived. At the time I did not take her comment too seriously, but now that I am almost done with the year I figure that it is my duty to warn the sophomores; she was right.
This year was a challenge emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually in addition to academically. The obstacles I overcame in the past year reached far beyond school. Regardless of the numerous tears I shed, I am grateful for this year. Someone once told me to cherish even the worst experiences because those are the ones that build the most character. This past year has been the darkest and scariest time of my entire life, but I know that I am going to be stronger because of it. Whether I was aware of it or not, prior to this year my life was nearly flawless, with the exception of my relationship with my dad, which has never been and may never be a consistently positive influence in my life. This is the first time I have ever experienced misery so out of the ordinary. Pushing through everything that has happened has taught me that I can push through anything. I have a renewed faith in my abilities and in myself; I have grown tremendously in the past year. To everyone’s surprise I overcame every challenge I found myself up against and I know now that there is not anything that I cannot conquer.
It is sad how few people seem to be doing what they love with their life; somewhere in their lives their dreams got lost or forgotten. I am absolutely inspired by those people with such a strong passion that it motivates them to make something big happen. I am drawn to people, like Earnest Hemingway and my dad, who have such a strong passion for what they do. Money and a fancy car are not what make success; success is happiness and following your heart. I have always said I would rather be happy and poor than rich and unhappy. Truth is, its true:
“Money. It always ends up making you blue as hell.” — J.D. Salinger
I intend on being one of those rare and inspiring people that persistently follow their dreams and passions. My passions are the arts: writing, painting, drawing, music, photography and fashion. I have always been an undoubtedly creative person and brilliant when I successfully channel that creativity. English class has been my favorite since middle school. I find that English teachers are often passionate people; literature is beautiful and takes a certain level of creativity too not only read it, but also experience it. I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. I have been writing poems for almost as long and more recently, songs as well. It was not until this year that I really fell in love with other aspects of the subject as well. It was Ms. Squier that taught me too love literature, Mr. Jarvis introduced me to script writing and it was Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature” that inspired me to express myself in the form of an essay, which I suppose would be a modern day “blog.”
Because of my breakdown, despite my efforts, this year has not been a fair evaluation of my potential. The challenges I overcame in the last year are proof of how resilient I am and how hard I am able to push myself. I love knowledge, which is both a blessing and a burden. Often the knowledge I obtain is useless, though sometimes my mental-file of random facts comes in handy. English is important to me and I want devote myself to the subject; I am learning everyday just how passionate I am about this subject and that passion is motivation to keep making strides toward my dreams. I know that my life will never return to the way it was, but my hope is that from my struggles I have taken the knowledge that I need to become something better than before.
Mike Cherim responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2007 at 7:05 pm →
Great letter, Sarah. You’re going to do well in your life — I just know it and have nothing but faith in you. Love you Sweet Pea!
Anthony Brewitt responds:
Posted: June 24th, 2007 at 7:22 pm →
Very nice blog! - I know and respect your father and I wouldnt worry about these things too much as you have good genes. Check out anything by A.C Grayling it sounds right up your street.
Sarah Cherim responds:
Posted: June 27th, 2007 at 11:57 pm →
I think its only fair to let the world know that I did get in! Thanks for your support
Sarah Cherim responds:
Posted: June 28th, 2007 at 12:29 am →
By the way, thank you Anthony for your comment! I’ll look into A.C. Grayling.