Forever young

Last night was my senior prom - my very LAST dance as a high school student. I can say it a million times and type it a million and one.. yet it still won't sink in!

The night was one to remember along with every other dance my class has shared. As our 13 year journey suddenly comes to an end it really makes you realize how much your class really means to you. When our class song Forever Young came on - for the first time ever I recognized the song from looking at the familiar faces in the room. I'll never forget our first dance, the famous 8th grade semi.. and how nervous we all were. I thought it was the absolute coolest thing ever to go to someones house all dressed up and take pictures.. I felt SO incredibly grown up. Little did I know in the next four years I'd be going to 5 semi's and 2 proms - I'd have plenty more group pictures and countless memories. But last night was one of the destinations to this long journey we have been on for what it seems like our entire lives. I'm so happy I spent the entire night with the best group of friends ever - I truly couldn't have been more blessed walking out of high school with so many hands to hold.

3 days until graduation! Let the next chapter begin :-)

As for Nationals - it is coming up so soon! I am in full preparation mode and I'm ready to proudly represent my state! I owe my director Debbi Rogers the world for being so on top of everything in preparation and still managing appearances! I will be attending The Special Olympics tomorrow with my sister queens from Rhode Island! The Special Olympics is something I've wanted to get involved in for a while and am so excited to finally have the opportunity! My cousin Sam has participated in them multiple times and whenever she won a medal always lit up the room with a smile - I can't wait to help other kids feel the same amount of accomplishment. Also, next week all of my speech preparation will pay off when I speak to my very own old middle school about steering away from peer pressure in high school and finding a passion to build yourself as an individual. It'll definitely feel good to be able to not only visit my old teachers but encourage the youth of my own town to cherish the next 4 years.

I'm sure I won't be able to update you on my exciting weekend until after the matter with PLENTY of pictures - Until then..

"When your young, you always want the next step. You want to move on and grow up as soon as possible. Now we finally are doing just that, moving on and growing up. So stay young at heart - and always see the world as a playground. The possibilities are endless, so always be a dream chaser. Move on to that next step with a deep breath full of optimism. We only have one life to live, and one chance to get it right!"