Leaves fall. The days seem shorter, and I’m just about ready to give up trying to stay on the same page with Mother Nature’s mood swings: sweaters one day, shorts on another. It all comes down to time and its tendency of sneaking away. I can’t believe my semester is on the brink of being over.

So many unbelievable things have transpired that it’s difficult for me to begin recounting. The most difficult for me (and recent, for that matter) has been the abrupt end of my dancing career. I honestly didn’t even realize hurting my groin would be such a delicate situation. However, I quickly became aware of just that upon hearing my doctors’ solemn tone and piercing results. It took every ounce of strength I could muster, to blink away my tears. Unfortunately that’s what happens when you don’t stretch properly before dance practice. Eventually, crutches became my unwanted companion, and they’ve been with me ever since.

But I have a lot to celebrate, too. I was told that I have been accepted to the University of Texas-Pan American! I even have an eye out for any newspaper positions that they might need filled. Dr.Selber, the director of the communications department, came and spoke to my yearbook class a couple of weeks ago. He left his e-mail address and an open invitation for any questions we might have. I’m so very excited! My dreams of becoming a highly rated journalist don’t seem so far away now, and familiarizing myself with their publication staff would be a very good ending to the high school portion of my life.

I’ve still got a couple of weeks left before we get released into our winter break; too bad. I’d rather enjoy the steady pace my days have maintained. I know that when I return it will just be less time that I have left roaming in what is now my oasis. However, I’m waiting, crutches and all, to take on what’s coming.

So far I’ve learned that you don’t have to be grown up to make a name for yourself; that decisions don’t necessarily define us; and that maybe sometimes all you need is time, fatal jumps, and closure to show you that your life’s in a pretty good place.