We have now arrived at the peak of the mountain. But just when you thought you've reached the end your journey, you learn there's more beyond those silver, galvanized gates of the infamous pothole filled parking lot. Further past the mountain top lies a vast spread of beautiful, yet treacherous land lead by constant diverging roads of decision - something we call "the real world". One by one, we watch our fellow classmates branch off onto their own individual expeditions. It's a tough moment for most of us, as we're hesitant of straying away from our closest friends, apprehensive of leaving our comfort zone, and uncertain of where to go. But here's my two cents on this "fork-in-the-road" business: It doesn't matter which path you take, because at the end of every journey lies one's ultimate happiness.

Now as we all know, the road to satisfaction isn't just a walk in the park. Difficult situations can and will arise. In fact, the Mt. Rainier Class of 2007 seems to have been plagued with several unfair circumstances these last couple years, that of which includes relocating to an elementary school; having the sacred junior privilege of off-campus lunch snatched away from us; and on top of that, being unable to attend the newly constructed school, completed in our graduating year. Negative situations such as these may get to the best of us, draining away every ounce of optimism in our glass that was once "half full". But that's life. If it hits you hard, you can't let it get you down. A good friend of mine, he goes by the name Rocky Balboa - great guy. Anyways he once said [Rocky impersonation] "it ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." [/Rocky impersonation] So if life ever knocks you down, just pick yourself right back up, brush that dirt off your shoulders, and just keep on keeping on.

Go after what you truly want, even if it means taking risks, and live your life with passion. If you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. Because you see, couple centuries ago, a few men signed something we now call the Declaration of Independence. That document not only states that all men are created equal, but also promises us certain unalienable rights, one of which includes the pursuit of happiness. So why waste that privilege? You go on and pursue that gosh darn happiness. Climb through every rocky relationship mountain range, swim across every soul-sucking professor infested sea, and journey across every scorching hot laborious, painstaking 40 hour work week desert. We've all come a long way so don't let anyone or anything obstruct your path, because if you're willing to fight every battle and overcome every obstacle you come across, who's got the right to stop you? Absolutely no one. So as we all embark on our journeys, take whatever road your little heart desires. From now on, you lay out your own path. The responsibility rests on your shoulders as your decisions and actions determine where you'll end up, so just be sure to pave it towards success. Class of 2007, I love you. In all hopes, our paths shall once again intertwine, but until then, I wish you all the best of luck. Life is what you make it rams, grab it by the horns.

© april coloma