Time to move on…so what’s next?
So the year has come to an end and the house is once again bursting at the seams with excitement and all the SOLs, but mostly just luggage. The last week of shows was bitter-sweet. I don’t think I’ll miss 5:30am mornings and setting up the truss, but I will miss hearing stories from students across the country and the impact that a simple message of hope can bring to those who seem to have lost it. This year has left a lasting impression on what the future will bring for me and although I’ll miss all the experiences I’ve had on the road (and in Mexico) with such amazing people, the most we can do is use this year to continue bettering our world. As much as our world is filled with pain and suffering from every corner and down every street, paved or gravel, this year has taught me that where evil exists, there is always good. It is our choice to see the good as well as the evil and our choice to pick which side we stand on.I never would have thought at the beginning of the year that these 12 strangers would become so close to me and such a huge part of my life. Every single person in this group fits into the puzzle in making why this year was so amazing. We’ve all shared tears, rage, passion for change, but mostly laughter. Walking onto the stage for the last time with the mic in my hand made me realize something, that this was just the beginning of what I’m doing to make a difference in our world. Not the ending, rather just the conclusion of this part of the journey. Time to move on, new footsteps, new countries, new parts of our own country. There is not a place in the world that doesn’t need a hand to hold, but also not a place where there isn’t a hand to hold in return. Just look for the good behind the evil always, remember the dark is not permanent and search for the light.One thing I think everyone could agree on is that we’ve learned this year is that every single day when you wake up you choose the person you’re going to become. Hopefully we make choices that will help us be the most positive influence we can be in the world. So whats next?
Shane – SOL Student