Life's Lessons

Okay, Okay, this is finally a new blog! (No, that was no typo.) I have been fascinated by the amount of loyal readers I have! I cannot begin to tell you how many people have asked me "When are you are going to write another blog?" or "I'm still waiting!" Life has gotten overwhelming. I am finally wrapping up my junior year of high school. What a year! Maybe that is what this blog will be about, my junior year thus far and the many, many, lessons I have learned this year. Beginning this blog I didn't know what it would be about, so maybe this is it...

Junior year. I would have to say the toughest year of my high school career. I have fully accepted that I will not be a genius in math nor chemistry. I have barely scrapped by, one class I am still uncertain. Oh, how I hope I make it! For the parents out there, the child knows that he is doing badly, just calmly tell them to get their stuff in gear and straighten up and go on. It is a lot of stress! Let me tell you. Picture weights if you will. With each failed test handed back to you, the load gets heavier and heavier. Until eventually you are exhausted. The load is even more with a parent breathing down your back. (Mom, not directed to you.) And I know that's what parent are for, but lay off a bit. (Anywho, off subject.)

Well, I got tired of school. Just exhausted! I thought there is not point in even going. I was getting no where, learning nothing. I was ready to go on to bigger things: college. But I guess first things first. So I decided that I would skip a few days. Often I wouldn't go until my important classes (2nd period). One day, or two, my parents were out of town on vacation, I decided to play hooky and go on a road trip. Well, needless to say, I was busted! (Don't worry, I only traveled 30 miles, but into forbidden territory.)

I have learned my lesson. Words of advice for students: Suck it up! Yes, school can be exhausting, but honestly, ask yourself, is it that bad? No. Do not follow my example. I have learned my lesson, do not follow in my footsteps, learn from my mistakes.

To put it into perspective, I was awarded a gag-award of "Biggest Skipper." I laughed, but thought, "This is what I will be remembered by: the student who never came to school." I don't want that. So, I straightened up. My grades have made a slight improvement. So kids, go to school!

Tonight was Graduation. As I sat in the audience eyeing many of my close friends, friends that will make being at school so different, I thought, "That is going to be me on that stage next year." A part of me is anxious to burst out of those doors running and never looking back, but then a part of me is terrified of what the future holds.

Now, life is easy. I have no big responsibility. Later, after I switch the tassel to the opposite side, I am an "adult." I have responsibilities and I am on my own. My parents hoping they have taught me what I need to know. I picture a bird taking its first flight off a cliff. Will I soar into the sky or plummet into the valley?

I want to be a journalist, but the world is fading. Newspapers are struggling to stay afloat. This means they are making cuts and not many openings for jobs. Will I be able to make it? Yes, I have a back up plan, but that's not fully backed yet. The future is frightening. I have to have faith in the people around me to hold me up and make the connections I need.

Well, I guess that is all I will write for today. I promise not to neglect my blog as much. I will have a new computer in two weeks (hopefully). And so I will be able to write faster. Also summer. Granted a very busy summer with various projects around the community demanding my attention. Also, more inspiration. That's what I wait on, something to spark and get my mind churning.

Thank you so much for reading and I welcome your response. Feel free to send me an e-mail at: dustinhood@ymail.com. I am addicted to my e-mail and check it 20 times a day. God bless!

Dustin Hood