My True Home.

May 24, 2013
  I finally got to go back to my real home, my high school. I know most people were more than excited to graduate from high school, but I just wanted to stay for a few more years... maybe 20... haha. This is a long post, folks, so brace yourself!


  High school literally changed my life. I believe that high school does change every student's life. The impact varies for everyone. For me, it was definitely on the higher end of great influence and a great life changer. It's really emotional for me, even now. My home life isn't exactly the picture perfect one I though I was going to have when I was younger. I'm the type of person that rolls with the punches and finds the positive, alternate ways to look at life. High school was that alternate way to help me figure out my morald and what type of people I should be looking up to.
  I came to visit two specific teachers; my role models "Uncle" Mir and "Uncle" Block. (Yes, we honestly called them that!) They team taught my

Throw back! Junior year with
Block and Mir. (2008-2009)

American Studies class. I LOVED this class. Junior year was the roughest part of my high school career, and they guided me through it, even when I wanted to give up. I'm not going to lie, I was, and still am, a teacher's pet, but not to all my teachers. I hadn't visited the school or made contact with any of my teachers in two years. TWO YEARS. I feel like I let a part of me float away, almost to a point where I would never be able to get it back.
  I mean, how can you not keep in contact with the people who did so much for you, and their influence meant the world to you? There's no way I can express that enough; I don't know where I would be without the influence and guidance from Mr. Mirandola and Mr. Block. I was forced to be outside my comfort zone, work harder than I wanted to or thought I should have to, actually READ (rough times!), and think in alternate ways.
  When I first met them, I was intimidated, not only by the syllabus, but by Mr. Mirandola and Mr. Block! Mr. Mirandola was a football coach, and Mr. Block looked like he was going to put us through English Boot Camp. By no means was this going to be an easy class. I'm not going to go through everything, but these two teachers just gave me a whole new outlook on life and a great work ethic. I was on the road to uncertainty and honestly, probably not going to a university until God knows when.
  If there was something I could do for them to give back everything they have done for me, I would do it in a heart beat. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I know that's easy to say about a lot of people, but I truly mean it about Mr. Block and Mr. Mirandola.
  The best part of the day was not just being able to share my successes with people I know would love to hear about it, but I was welcomed home properly. They know I refer to PHS as my true home, and they always greet me to remind me of that. Mr. Block greets me every time with a "welcome home".

  I know how important education is, and to this day, I don't take any of it for granted. Every class I take, I want to learn, I want to be challenged, I want to succeed. Especially now that I am paying for these classes, I really need to take advantage of what the class and professor has to offer. I never know when I'll find a new role model to add to the great list that I currently have.
  I was home sick towards the end of the semester, and this trip back home really helped. It made me remember where I came from. More importantly, I will now appreciate the positive opportunities more than I have been and remember to show that appreciation, when if you think they know it or not. Communication is key! :)