I FINISH HIGH SCHOOL//The Glories, The Tears, The Cake

by - June 15, 2020



Note: This post is adapted from my graduation speech...

High school has been a journey. It hasn’t just been academics, and it hasn’t just been life, but the two mingle together and I want to talk a little about both. Because these years were such a big deal to me, here are some highlights.
Freshman year. Ninth grade, 14 years old. A year of upheaval. I took nine classes because I thought it would be cool. I realized I had no idea how to be friends with girls my age. Medical scares. My first heartbreak. It was a year marked by loss, and yet full of growth. A year God used for good, even though at the time it was like walking through the valley of the shadow.
Sophomore year. 15 years old, and the easiest year comparatively. I don’t think any of you want the gory details about the time I spent crying in the bathroom that year, so I won’t share any *insert laugh* but let’s just say… I cried, a lot. I questioned, a lot. I ached. I bled. But I also laughed, and I realized that life was beautiful. I made friends. I started a blog. I started to grow in spirit, even though that was the point I stopped growing upward. And now here I am, stuck at 5’1”. *long sigh*
Junior year. 16 years old—first job, first college classes. I spent most of that year hunched over my computer. I learned how to manage my time and how to get up in the morning and how to make do on six hours of sleep. Still haven’t mastered making do on less than that, but don’t worry—college is around the corner. *laugh* I made more coffees than any person here could possibly drink in their lifetime, and I discovered, at age 16, an outpouring of something that would become the greatest love of my life so far—storytelling.
And now… senior year. I went into it declaring that it was my easy year. My year to grab a few credits I didn’t need, sack out, and make money. The first semester went off without a hitch. But then 2020 hit, and I don’t think I need to talk about the dumpster fire that has been 2020. Even without the outside trials, though, this would’ve been a hard enough year. Friendships shaken, some of my surest foundations ripped away, the weight of stress and decisions and money money money placed on my shoulders.
It’s been a year.

But here is the truth: God is good. In the midst of all this, God is good. Throughout high school, more even than the Pythagorean theorem or the square root of c or how to craft a thesis, that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. That’s what will stick with me: He is good. Always.
I love my family. I love my friends. Thank you to the blogging community and to everyone who's touched my life. It's been beautiful and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Senior Year Playlist on Spotify
MY LIFE IN MEMES








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28 comments

  1. Congrats on graduating!! That's super exciting.

    Those memes, though. Such a mood.

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  2. my boo, the speech in it's entirity was beautiful and I love how you adapted parts of it into a post. I'm proud of you, beyond proud, and I know no matter what you do and where you go, you are going to change the world. You mean so much to me and I can't wait to see what God uses you for because, love, it will be amazing, I already know it.

    I'm blessed and grateful beyond words that I've been able to see part of your journey and watch you grow into who you are in this moment, right now.

    You are beautiful, smart, funny, and you're my best friend. I'm proud of you for all that you've gone through, put up with, fought for, all of it. You are strong and you will go on to do many amazing things. (I'll be here pointing saying, "I KNEW HER BEFORE SHE WAS FAMOUS." xD )

    I love you, I'm proud of you, and so excited that I get to see you as you continue to grow. You are a ray of sunshine brightening the word. Love you. <3

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    Replies
    1. *sobs* I've already told you how I feel in all of this but THANK YOU. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for everything you've done and for being my best friend. I love you so much.

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  3. Good work finishing high school! It sounds like it was a bit of a roller coaster!

    Also, those memes. XD

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  4. Aaahhhh, girl! *ALL THE HUGS* Thank you so much for sharing your heart and journey with us. I don't even have words to express how proud I am of you. I'm SO BEYOND BLESSED to have you as a friend, and it's been an honor watching as you grow and blossom. God has AMAZING things for you, and I cannot wait to see them unfold.

    Congratulations on this HUGE milestone! I will be praying for you as you step into your next journey of life. You are going to ROCK it! Love you! <333

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    1. <3 ACCCKKKK CHRISTINE *sobs* THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU TOOOO

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  5. CONGRATS FAITH! You're such a driven and talented person, I'm so not surprised you've succeeded in conquering high school and I have no doubt you'll crush college as well. (also . . . i so get you on "stuck at 5'1." i'm stuck at 4'11 :P) Best wishes for the fall!!

    - Eleanor

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    1. Aghhh thanks Eleanor! And oh goodness the height thing...Yeahhhhh we short people must conquer the world now to make up for being given a disadvantage xD Thank you!!!

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  6. <33 You are an inspiration to me by how you always know that God is here. Sometimes when everything is crumbling apart and falling down, I sink and forget, but your posts, stories, and light remind me. Here's to your future! I'm so blessed to know you. <33

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    Replies
    1. Agh Clare *sobs* I'm so weak and I feel like I forget far too often, but I'm so grateful I can encourage you. He is good. Thank you for reading <3

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  7. CONGRATULATIONS, Faith!! <3 <3 love this post so much. (also those memes are incredible + very accurate, lol). ♥️

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  8. CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING, Faith!!!! It sounds like it's been a crazy ride, but you've made it!
    (also yessss, those memes are fabulous XD)

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  9. I'm so proud of you!!
    Ngl, this year has been difficult. (But in some ways I've enjoyed the changes. SOME OF THEM.)
    YOU GRADUATED and that is FANTASTIC <333

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    Replies
    1. Some of them have been GOOD but also URGH IT HAS BEEN A YEAR. Thanks!!!

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  10. //CONGRATS// FAITH THAT IS AMAZING. <333333333333

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  11. What a year it has been, indeed. But .... people like you give me hope that we have hope ;)

    MB: keturahskorner.blogspot.com
    PB: thegirlwhodoesntexist.com

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  12. This is beautiful and I'm so happy for you!! Graduating is a big deal. <33 I know God has so many wonderful things in store. Praying for you! <3

    (Also, I had no idea you were only 5'1 xDD)

    theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much!!!!

      (And yes, I am incredibly short. It's part of why I'm so fierce. *bares teeth*)

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  13. AHHH CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING!!!! I'm so happy for you!

    I love what you said about the biggest lesson you learned being that God is good. Especially with all the uncertainty in our current world, coupled with the uncertainty of leaving high school and entering college (which is waaaaay too much on its own), that is such an important lesson to be able to hold onto.

    Praying for you and wishing you all the wonderful things!

    P.S.: Long Live and Brave Souls <3 Those are such fantastic songs, especially for graduation!

    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbosityreviews.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you SO MUCH Alexa! <3

      Eep yes. God is always good <3

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  14. Congrats! SO happy for you!!
    Sounds like you had an a intense few years, but you survived it all!
    I'm so glad you found a love for storytelling. Your passion for it inspired the heck out of me, I hope you never lose it. *hugs*

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    1. I really did *dies*
      Oh, Skye *sobs* Thank you *massive hugs*

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