newspaper final - feature article about myself/graduation

“Shouldn’t I be crying?” thought Rachael as she sat draped in white cap and gown, her bottom in pain on the uncomfortable blue metal chairs of Merriweather Post Pavilion. The only thing she really had to cry over was in fact, the uncomfortable blue metal chairs.

Surprisingly, despite Rachael’s sentimental personality, not a tear was shed from her face at the graduation she shared with the rest of Atholton High School’s class of 2005 on Tuesday June 1. “I have no regrets,” said Rachael. “I accomplished everything I could have hoped to, and learned valuable lessons from diverse angles.”

Diverse describes Rachael well. Over the years she not only participated, but excelled in numerous areas such as writing, soccer, theatre, music, and class government. Each activity Rachael participated in spirals into its own story, but her concern rests not in past accomplishments, but in changing current aspirations into successful realities.

Rachael and a few of her friends plan on opening their houses and backyards to the public this summer where they will host “house concerts” for only a few dollar entrance fee per person. All proceeds will go to different local causes such as Grassroots homeless shelter. “Everyday we have the opportunity to do something benevolent and beneficial,” said Rachael. “We also have the opportunity to sit around. If we can have fun in the process of doing charity, why would we just sit around?”

Working at Clyde’s restaurant in Columbia where she waits tables and hostesses, Rachael plans on continuing her employment over the summer to earn some extra cash. Running and exercising are included in some of Rachael’s favorite past times, as well as painting, traveling, reading, going to concerts, and spending excessive amounts of time with her three friends.

Rachael was accepted into the college of her choice, Northeastern University, but not until February of 2006. She is still eagerly waiting to hear if her acceptance will be bumped up to the fall, and will find out within days. If Rachael’s acceptance to Northeastern remains for February, she will either attend Towson University for a semester, or live in a city waiting tables.

“We know that whatever Rachael does, she’ll be successful. We really do hope that she goes to Boston, even though we’ll have to take a second mortgage on our house,” said Rachael’s father Randy. Rachael’s mother Beverly added, “We’re just so proud of her.”

With diploma in her hand, and white heels killing her feet, Rachael smiled an awkward smirk, excited for the future, and reflecting on the past. Some people call high school the time of their lives. For Rachael, high school was a time of personal growth, learning, and self-discovery. Through every experience she realized what mattered most to her, and developed personal priorities. Through knowing what she believes in, Rachael will step confidently into the world and make a beautiful difference.