Turning 20 *Warning: Long*

So, as you may or may not know, I’m turning 20 tomorrow! I’m so excited!!! I’ve heard from various people that when you turn 18 you’re a pre adult but not totally out of the teenage years yet. So, when 20 rolls around you’re considered an adult. SCARY!!! Throughout the past couple weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about the past 6 years of my life experiencing the teenage years. The friends, teachers, and everyone that has come in and out of my life and wondering where I would be without them! I’d have to say the best 4 years out of my life came from High School. I remember being a freshman entering the doors of Bellefonte High School not knowing what would happen the next couple years of my life (i.e. changes, friendships, etc.) What I do know is that I would not be the person I am today because of what I learned about life.

I remember the summer of my 9th grade year and not signing up for Marching Band. I got a call from the band director at the High School (it was his first year) asking if I wanted to do it. I of course, said yes. A couple days later I got a calendar of events for the summer and looking at practice nights—they were the same nights my youth group got together. Luckily, the director and I worked out a deal. I would go to church every other week and go to band the other times (although, I rarely went my Jr. and Sr. year because it was fun and a lot more exciting). Every year, I threatened to drop out but I’m really glad I stayed and stuck through it. The friendships that I made in band, past or present are ones that I cherish today. Over the years, the band became like a family. A family that didn’t care what mistakes, idiotic things you did or how you would mess up a part of a song they still made you feel like you belonged. I’m glad I stuck through it for 4 years and I’m glad I had that experience. It will be something that I will always look back on.

"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you." Looking back through the years, I have had many friends. No matter what your friends know about you, they still like you for who you are and not for anybody else. The person that you are today is the person that you’re supposed to be. Without my friends, past and/or present, I know I wouldn’t be the person who I am today. I do have to admit, I wish I still talked to most of them because you can never have too many friends. I want to thank all my friends that have come in and out of my life and thank you for the many memories, laughs, and tears. You all liked me for who I am and I appreciate that. So…THANK YOU!!! <3

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family” With all the challenges that my family has gone through, the one thing stands out. We are family no matter what. I was brought to this family for a reason and to tell you the truth, I haven’t figured out why yet but I’m sure that day will come. This quote is true for the immediate and extended family. I’d like to say that even though all of us go through challenges, changes in our lives or trials, at the end of the day, we are still family and always will be. As life goes on, I have started gaining more of an appreciation for my family.

“A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” Looking back to High School (which was only two years ago) I often remember the teachers that have made an influence in my life. Mrs. Wertz, Mr. Trutt, Mr. Zimmerman, Ms. Nath, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Bonchack, Mr. Schaub and Mrs. Krebs-all these teachers have taught me (not only about the subjects in school) but about life in some way shape or form. These teachers believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. I was fortunate to have teachers that cared about me and were willing to help in some way shape or form with going on in life. All of these teachers, I will and still remember fondly. I remember the advice they gave me when I was going through a hard time. No matter where I go in life though, these teachers will always be with me.

“Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we're never the same again...”So, this is sort of a spinoff from the teacher section but I don’t care. It’s going to be one of the longest ones. Throughout the past 20 years, I have had people come and go out of my life. I’m going to mention people that have made the footprints.

My parents- With their encouragement and annoying advice, I know that they care about me and are proud of the person that I’m today. Know matter what I do in life, I know they will always be there for me.

Grandma Moss- I know with all my activities throughout school, she supported me no matter what and gave me the encouragement to stick through them because I would later regret it and life is to short to have regrets. She has also asked me on numerous occasions if I have a boyfriend yet and that I need to start looking if I don’t. The time will come Grandma don’t worry.

Grandpa Moss- I always knew that my Grandpa was proud of me. I never doubted it. He loved his family very much and showed it through his actions and most importantly, love. One of the reasons, I decided to stick out school was because he believed in me and was so excited to see that I was in school again (probably hoping that someday I would move out of my parents house). MISS YOU GRANDPA!! <3

Tauna and Scott- These two people are amazing people. They have overcome many challenges and obstacles and they never look back on the past. They really are angels in my life-always there with advice and encouragement. Tauna has gone through challenges and obstacles in her life but in reality its made her a better person. LOVE YOU <3

Edens- There are too many of them to write out individually. This family has been amazing!! They have been there for me every step of the way. When you enter into their home, you feel like your home and their family is my family and I LOVE THEM!!!

Vida Vaughn- She always knows what to say whenever you are going through a tough time and its helped me out bunches! She has always been there and even though she’s crazy, I still love her.

My cousins (Jared and Sarah, Chris and Sarah, Jamee and Adam, Brandon and Lacie, Kristen and Russ, and Trent) - There are no words to describe how awesome these people are. It’s always fun to talk to them once and awhile to see how things are going. I miss them every single day and I love them all!! It’s also nice that I have my own special relationship with all of them!!

Deans- Ever since this family moved to Idaho, I don’t know what to do! They are hilarious! I miss them every single day and life sucks without them…by the way, they DO live in Rigby and need babysitters!! ;)

Smiths- This family cracks me up!! They have such cute kids. They have proven to everybody that a trial in life, brings a family closer and shows others how amazing they are! My life also sucks without them since they moved to Philly.

My friends (band, church and school-you know who you are)- Even though some of us never talk anymore, know that I have always considered you guys friends no matter what. I remember the memories, laughs and tears and I sometimes laugh out loud at them…haha.

Mrs. Wertz- My all time favorite Learning Support teacher at BAHS!! I always wondered why I had to get her my senior year of High School (her first year) but I later realized that it was a blessing getting her that year because she helped me get ready to graduate-even when I wasn’t ready. She helped me through a lot of tears and laughs. I often told her “I’m the daughter you never had to give birth to”

Mr. Trutt- My all time favorite teacher over all at BAHS!! He also helped me get ready to graduate. He taught me not to care what other people think and that life is too short to get mad at people. It’s true. I often look back to the good times that we had in his class too. We had inside jokes about the short bus and crack kills. Too many stories, too little time.

Overall, I know this is long and I apologize!! I applaud you for taking the time to read this cheesy thing. In closing though, I want to thank everybody that has stuck by me in my life throughout the past 20 years of my young but almost old life. I want to leave you with a few quotes that have helped me throughout the years:

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning how to dance in the rain."
“If you can’t be yourself, who can you be?”
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
“To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.” –Tony Dorsett
“Mom says, I ride the short bus because I am special”
“Crack Kills”
“Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it”