Class of 2014.

I had a We the People State Competition today. *bam* Look it up.  Anyway, we took State, and this was the eighth year in a row we took State.  It was probably the most surreal day I've had in a while.  I've known about this program for a few years, and I always thought I would feel more prepared and more ready.  I thought I would feel completely confident.  It's strange finally arriving at a day you've thought about for 4 years isn't it?  It has been a beautiful day.

But, I've got to tell you, the next chance you get, grab a group of seniors.  Look them in the eye and ask them what they're plans are.  And watch their eyes.  Chances are they don't have a set definition yet.  Chances are they are scared out of their minds, but look at their eyes.  You can see the whole entire world in their eyes in one glance.  You can see all of the pain and the glory, but most of all you can see their excitement.  They have no clue where they are going to be or who they want to become but they know they want to go somewhere.

I sat and talked the whole way home with my group of friends.  We sat and talked about the future and where we were going to end up in 10 years.  One friend wants to be a plant biologist.  One friend is signing for a football scholarship to a military school tomorrow.  Another wants to be a photographer/entrepreneur/philanthropist.  Someone else wants to live in Georgia because they believe it's the perfect mix of beach and rural communities.  Someone wants to be a powerful businessman.  We talked about how you can do anything, but you can't do everything.  

But in the wake of our success and in the wake of our triumph, everything was possible.  The limit was no longer confined to our high school hallways and the grungy pale blue lockers.  The class grades and bell schedules no longer restricted our future, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

That is why I would suggest you talk to a senior soon.  It is quite a privilege to talk to so many teenagers who want to go out and do something in the world.  And remember, it is not the time to crush their dreams.  It's not a time to think of their future heartbreaks and future agony.  Or the rejection letters or the insecurities or the settling they may have to do.  You don't tell them about the loss that is inevitably around the future corners because the infinite possibilities are beautiful in a hopeful way.

I am so darn excited to go out and truly see the world for what it is.