THANKFUL FOR: WHAT I KNOW NOW

It is truly funny how ironic life can be. Today my brother (almost 15) went to 9th grade orientation because he is starting HIGH SCHOOL in one week. I think this was a day I never really saw coming. Now it is here and it is crazy!! Stuttgart High School will always hold a very special place in my heart. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the love and lessons during my four years on that campus. I remember the day I went for High School Orientation like it was yesterday. In my mind, it might as well have been yesterday. I, unlike many, really didn’t want high school to be immediately over. There was a point where I was beyond ready, but that wasn’t until the very end. It’s funny what memories can come flooding back when you see or visit a place that holds so many dear things to your heart. Yes, I did go to the orientation because

1. I believe there would be no one better to show my bother around.
2. Because I had to see my teachers… I adore them still to this day.

Let’s also remember that I haven’t been gone that long, but it sure feels like a long time.

I walked those hallways again and for a moment I wished I was back in that place. I am so happy with the place I am in now and with what I am doing, but knowing what I know now… Stuttgart High would be 10x more fun. When I walked down the halls I envisioned myself walking down the halls as a Freshman. Little, scared, worried, excited, but mostly scared. I then envisioned myself a senior walking down the halls tall, proud, confident, but mostly confident. To this day, I have never felt more confident than how I felt in high school as a senior. Those were THE days. I would love to go back to that time! Everyone was hating Stuttgart High, but I was secretly loving it. That was my element. AHHHH. I can’t really describe it!

If I could somehow give what I know now to the incoming Freshman of SHS… Oh I wish. That’s why we have the different phases of life I guess. To be in moment and so badly either want the future or the past. Funny, right? I guess I could say I am thankful for this throwback. I can honestly say if I could go back to the last weeks of high school for like two days… I would! Because in those last moments I can honestly say I have never felt more confident. Confident because I was a senior and confident because I had everything I needed to go out and start my mark on the world. We can’t go back, but we sure can learn from it. I can’t wait to look back and want college back… I already want Freshman Year back. Enough of the throwbacks… I am going back to the present because living in the moment is the best thing to do! I am thankful for what I know now… It made me a very happy guy today! Thanks for the memories and life lessons SHS. Now, do me a favor and teach my brother the same thing! Once a Ricebird, Always A Ricebird…Right?

*Pictured Stephanie Bell and I leaving Stuttgart High on the last day of High School. We had no idea what was ahead of us and we had no idea that in that moment we were living some of the best times of our lives.

Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful

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