Broadway, 20 Years Later…

A bonus post, as it was twenty years ago yesterday that I graduated from high school. I was looking through my yearbook on Sunday and felt a moment of inspiration.

And by chance, I still had this post saved to my notes app. A reunion takes place and I take the mic.

Without further ado…

Ladies and Gentlemen of the LICHS Graduating Class of 2003...

It was twenty years ago today that we were in the same room together. And here we are now.

On that hot Thursday afternoon in June at Queens College. 578 of us. In celebration of four years that shaped our lives forever. In the presence of our friends, family and fellow teachers. Joy was all around.

Through unimaginable events that began the 21st century, we perserved. Y2K, 9/11 and Iraq to name a few.

In the midst of all the pomp and circumstance, none of us knew what lie ahead. Only new beginnings as we were declared graduates and the last strains of The Rembrandt's "I'll Be There For You" played out.

As I put my class ring on and look at the turquoise birthstone in the center, I wonder...what became of all of us?

Where did the hopes and dreams we had ultimately take us?

For me, it was a late bloom.

My Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College came five years later. The first job would be six years after that. And in the meantime, my writing skills that flourished at the end of senior year began to take shape.

I didn't expect to be a published author and poet. To appear on podcasts and have multiple channels where my words resonate. Let alone, being a contributing author to a best selling multiauthor book. I didn't expect to be documenting my travels either. A far cry from the days of junior year when all I wanted to do was walk on my own two feet unaided.

Were mistakes made? Of course.

I didn't think much of the future then. I would sort it out later didn't prove to be the best tact to take. But I wouldn't have had all the experiences and lessons if not for the difficulties incurred. I wouldn't be me.

I wanted to thank you all for listening and here's to all of us in this room right now.