Gradu-freakin-ation!
Holy crap!
I'm graduating this Saturday! Five years of sometimes hard, oftentimes overwhelming work will be culminating in a BFA degree. Sculpture, with a minor in Art History! I've never been happier than here, learning what I've supposed to have been doing all my life instead of what everyone has told me I should be doing.
I've learned that I have some talent and ability, and at least the potential to be an artist. I've learned that an artist is what you have to be, not what you choose to be; either you have the capacity, or you do not. I've learned that I have a talent and the patience for teaching, and that I love that too.
I've learned that a person is never too old to learn. I've learned that, while my body may be that of a 40-something, my mind is as young as ever. I've learned that I am indeed a pretty smart boy; I'll be graduating with a 3.8 GPA.
I've learned that it is possible to fall in love with someone, but to respect them enough not to interfere in a pre-existing relationship for my own selfish reasons. I've learned that the people you love will never be gone from your life, even if they graduate, move away, and get involved in lives of their own. I've learned to love people again, in all their fucked-up glory, which was something I'd lost for a while.
I've learned, through founding a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega here on campus, that I am a leader, a follower, a friend and a part of something that genuinely cares for other people. I've learned principles--leadership, friendship, service--from APhiO which, while I knew of them before, now truly have deep meaning for me.
To all of you, the family, friends, and teachers who helped me, supported me, gave me the strength and the encouragement I needed, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all.
I'm graduating this Saturday! Five years of sometimes hard, oftentimes overwhelming work will be culminating in a BFA degree. Sculpture, with a minor in Art History! I've never been happier than here, learning what I've supposed to have been doing all my life instead of what everyone has told me I should be doing.
I've learned that I have some talent and ability, and at least the potential to be an artist. I've learned that an artist is what you have to be, not what you choose to be; either you have the capacity, or you do not. I've learned that I have a talent and the patience for teaching, and that I love that too.
I've learned that a person is never too old to learn. I've learned that, while my body may be that of a 40-something, my mind is as young as ever. I've learned that I am indeed a pretty smart boy; I'll be graduating with a 3.8 GPA.
I've learned that it is possible to fall in love with someone, but to respect them enough not to interfere in a pre-existing relationship for my own selfish reasons. I've learned that the people you love will never be gone from your life, even if they graduate, move away, and get involved in lives of their own. I've learned to love people again, in all their fucked-up glory, which was something I'd lost for a while.
I've learned, through founding a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega here on campus, that I am a leader, a follower, a friend and a part of something that genuinely cares for other people. I've learned principles--leadership, friendship, service--from APhiO which, while I knew of them before, now truly have deep meaning for me.
To all of you, the family, friends, and teachers who helped me, supported me, gave me the strength and the encouragement I needed, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all.