Dear Fellow IBers,
It was a journey. Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end; however, as I approach June 8th my story of IB and high school will come to a close. Despite this bittersweet moment I am beyond excited to begin a new chapter of my life at UVa. This year I have embraced the idea of finding joy in the ordinary and enjoying the journey I am on without worrying about what is to come next.
Crazy enough my senior quote was by Walt Whitman, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine–and shadows will fall behind you." This quote reminds me of my favorite flower, a sunflower. There is hope presented in Whitman's quote about facing towards happiness and focusing on positivity. In the midst of admission letters, applications, eating, more applications, the extended essay, IAs, homework, performances, family events, hanging with friends, studying, more presentations, and Netflix (aka bae), I realized that there is more to life than a good grade. Life is about gaining experiences and exploring the world before us.
I have always enjoyed traveling the world and since an early age my parents have taught me that it is important to be open to new ideas and cultures. However, I never really understood the importance behind what they had been telling me until I joined IB two short years ago. By being part of a close knit group of people I learned how to be open to other perspectives, which provided me with a bigger view of the world. I realized that there is more to life than my opinion. The world is full of 7 billion+ people who are each unique in looks, actions, and thoughts. In the past two years I have let go with being uptight concerning details and embraced adventure, meaning that every inconvenience becomes a new adventure. I am no longer afraid of failing or being imperfect because perfection leaves no room for exploration.
I have become obsessed with taking pictures and looking at pinterest. Every time I look at my iPhoto I am reminded of who I use to be and who I have become today. I transitioned from a quiet, shy individual to (almost) out going and talkative. The people that have surrounded me have pushed me to break out of my shell and embrace who I am!
In a Whitman way, I'm going to charge you to enjoy the mundane because everything is special and joy can be found in the ordinary.
~Morgz
Wow I really loved this post! I thought it was very powerful how you connected the work we did in IB to your personal development. I have enjoyed going through the journey of high school (and middle school lol) with you and am looking forward to the next chapter in both our lives at UVA and WFU!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was really good! I really like how you said that perfection leaves no room for exploration because that is so true. IB has definitely widened my perspectives and viewpoint of the world. I am so happy to have you as a friend!! Can't wait to see where our stories will take us!
ReplyDeleteI loved how your senior quote was actually from Whitman! Full circle, girl. I think pictures will be the way that our generation and generations to come will remember past events. Like Elizabeth said, IB has definitely broadened my perspectives as well and I honestly wouldn't have wanted to share our final years at Millbrook with any other people than our IB family!
ReplyDeletebruh u cropped me out of one of the pictures
ReplyDeleteWow this post looks rather familiar ;) I think that we are basically the same person. I think that pictures are such an indicator of who we were and who we have become, for better or for worse. I look back and see how my friendships and style have changed. Can't wait to see how you document your journey at UVA!!
ReplyDeleteLove this post Morgan. It's written well and I'm so blessed by your positivity/openness (this is deep) but I'm glad I got to know you along this journey you've been on and really I can't wait to see where else you go! IB has also been a journey for me as well and honestly, I think any stage of life you're in, it's going to be a journey!
ReplyDeleteI think you probably came into IB more prepared to be open to other cultures and ideas than others because of the way your parents raised you. I don't have anything else to add to that but it's just an observation I made.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, you have a very big and kind heart. You are also extremely nice, and easy to talk to. I remember when I helped with your film project and you gave me a ride home. I had only talked to you a handful of times before that, but conversation with you came natural and was easy. When you do decide to be outgoing and talkative, it is a pleasure to talk to you. Also, you give fantastic fashion advice. #CutestCouple2K15
While I'm disappointed to see you leave the Carolinas, you'll only be a short while away, and I can't wait to see all the success you're going to have, especially when you really break out of your shell, because what you're hiding in that shell is pretty awesome.
"Every inconvenience becomes a new adventure". What a cool outlook. Since I have known you, you have truly embodied this concept. You are always looking for the good in others and situations, and your positivity is such an encouragement to me. When I'm stressed, you are the go to person to put the object of my worry into perspective. I am so excited that you are going to your dream school, but I hate that it is so far away. But I should take your advice; the inconvenient drive can be a new adventure!
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to your transition of letting go! I think it is important to realize that the only thing you can truly change is your attitude and that if you can find positivity and happiness in any situation, your life will always be good. This has been a big thing I've had to work on these past years and you have been a tremendous help in my journey! I love when you said "perfection leaves no room for exploration" as I definitely agree with this, if you are too comfortable in your surroundings you will never step out and seek a spectacular change. Thank you for this beautiful insight and for being a sunflower in my life :)
ReplyDeleteSo I can't really read any of the comments on this post, so this is completely original. Prepare yourself.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you that well throughout most of our time in IB, though in the past couple of months I can definitely say that you're one of my better friends in IB, even if you wouldn't say the same about me (it's okay :'( ). From snapchatting in Hartman's to googly eyes in Mrs. G's, you're always there to appreciate my crappy jokes, regardless of how cheesy or downright terrible they are.
I know you're gonna go on to do big things, and I wish you the best of luck at UVa!