It is unfortunate, a tragedy. Girls and boys everywhere are put under a microscope, dissected and torn apart with no mercy. They are tormented because they are different.
Because they aren’t skinny enough.
Because they’re wardrobe consists of mostly black.
Because they have a stutter.
Because they like the same sex.
Because the world has decided on its picture of perfection, and the rest of us didn’t get a say in the final result.
Heading into my 11th year at OVS, also my senior year, i have been facing several changes in my life. I have realized that in order for me to transition from high school into college, there were a few things that I needed to change.
I have been a boarding student since 4th grade, thus making this my 9th year living in the dorms. I decided to become a day student myself and organized all of the pieces to fall into place. My aunt approved me as long as the money could be refunded toward my second semester which it was.
I moved my things out of the dorms only a few short weeks ago and moved back into my room at home. It is nice to live with my family for once. I drive myself in my mom’s sweet Honda Element to school each day from and back to Oak View.
Becoming a day student has given me a new found sense of independence and responsibility. I am very happy with my decision to become a day student, it has given me the space that I needed.
Volleyball has always been a passion of mine. I love the sound of tennis shoes scuffing against the waxed gym floor, the feeling you get when you celebrate a victory with your teammates, coming into the center of the court to cheer each other on, the release you feel when you snap that ball down onto the other side of the net, and then quickly prepare for it to come right back. I love that in volleyball, you have to always be on your toes, low and ready to play every ball. The trust and relationships that develop between you and your teammates is something truly beyond words. I cannot express the love that I have for each and every girl on my team. Volleyball is all about team work and always trusting your team mates to do their best with every ball that comes their way, but, if they make a mistake, you are right there to tell them “shake it off, we got this, good try.” I know that this sport will always be a big part of my life and i am happy to share my experience with other girls at OVS.
Today is my birthday.
Birthdays are something we, as kids, cherish. It’s all about “growing up” and “being a big kid,” but when do we really stop and realize what we have? I’m finding that the older I get, the less excited I am for each birthday. Most kids my age are claiming that they’re excited to be 18, for freedom, and 21, for alcohol, but why? Does anyone stop and think that turning 18 is practically being thrown into a lion’s den from the comfy and less hostile world we’re used to? You have to pay for yourself, manage school work, and keep a social life. It’s already hard enough in high school to manage school work along with a social life. Even adults past age 27 or so wish they were younger. Here, in high school, and partially college, everything is set up for us, but when we hit the real world we’re on our own. I don’t want to grow up anymore.
OVS Journalism Blog 