Commentary: End of year wrap-up

“Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love which is the bond of perfectness” –Colossians 3: 12-14 ASV

From the first day I walked into Mrs. Tapley’s kindergarten class these concepts of honor, compassion and love seeped into my life from the words and actions of teachers and students. From patient hands applying hydrogen peroxide and bandages after a playground scrape, to a kind word on the monkey bars from a fellow student, I knew the community at FC was in it for the long run. There was of course difficult moments, mistakes made and memories I would rather forget. However, the presence of these Biblical concepts, ingrained into FC, spoke volumes into my life.

Memories of elementary at FC are painted in my mind in golden light and sweetness.  I remember one of the student’s Dad brought his guitar on Friday mornings and led us in worship, while we sat at little brown desks. I remember touching the yellow snake during our field trip to the Fresno Fair and eating rock candy on the train in Sugar Pine Railroad. I remember playing basketball at recesses, tag and wall ball.

In JH I learned about osmosis and discretion.  I learned not to do wrong and about the US constitution.

Then came HS. Suddenly there were formals, football games to cheer at and a whole new set of teachers.  There were thousands of things to become involved in and I wanted to try them all. During this time, I developed a greater sense of who I am and what I am passionate about.

Journalism played a significant role as I learned to express myself through writing and develop a voice.  Due to this program, I had the opportunity to master priceless skills and travel across the country. The Feather allowed me to see Broadway plays, national newsrooms and interview everyone from missionaries on their way to Germany to the main actor of the film Woodlawn.

In the fall of 2016, I will be attending Fresno State in the Smitt Camp Family Honor’s Program. Through this program, I will gain a more direct path to my major (nursing) and be able to engage in specialized honors classes.  I hope to become a leader on campus and spread the love of Christ to the Fresno State student body and the greater community.

I cannot thank the community at FC enough for their love and support. The experience was truly once in a life time and one that I will never forget.  The teacher’s and administration at FC prepared me for a life centered on Christ and His Kingdom.

Perhaps most importantly, I developed relationships while at FC, with some of the best friends I had ever had. Friends who built up my confidence, who made me laugh and who showed me the all-encompassing love of Christ in action.

Now it’s year thirteen. I look at the faces around me and marvel.  These people grew up alongside me. Many ran frantically about the playground with me as a child, shared lunches, made crafts and now in a short matter of weeks we will receive our diplomas. Sometimes it feels as if we are still those same crazy kids throwing toys in the sandbox. Maybe we are.

For another senior reflection read, End of the year reflections, Alexis Kalugin.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee and via Email: Skyler Lee.