The Girl with a Teacher's Heart

Chapter 11: Graduation

June, 2019

June has finally arrived. Over the last year, I have become a better person due to the help and dedication of my teachers at the Coral Academy of Science. I will admit, this year has been an emotional rollercoaster. From my last orchestra concert to my last ever high school concert, I found that music was always and still is my escape. Graduation is tonight and let me just say that I will miss everyone that has helped me from the beginning. But first, I need to eat then leave to go to Greater Nevada Field Stadium. 

"I cannot believe you are graduating tonight." My mother said while cooking dinner.

"Yeah. Feels like yesterday when we moved and now I am already going to college." I replied back.

"You have come a long way to get here. With your disability, it was hard because you were falling behind and could not keep up with your classmates." My mother said with a somber tone.

She's right. My disability did affect me in ways I wouldn't even imagine. I had trouble with reading comprehension and never took any honors courses because I felt like I could not pass them. In the early days, my self-confidence levels were low and I didn't know who to turn to. But now, four years later, I am the happiest I have been in a long time. I still have self-confidence issues at times, but I am glad to be where I am now.

Later that afternoon

"Taylor! We made it! We finally are graduates of the Coral Academy of Science!" Amy exclaimed.

"I cannot believe it. I cannot believe I did this." I said in shock.

You did this, Taylor. You overcame these challenges despite your disability. I said in my head.

Later that evening

As I got home from receiving my diploma, I could not help but reflect on the time I was at the Coral Academy of Science. This was an emotional time because I had met so many people that cared about me despite my disability. Graduation was and still is a huge accomplishment and I cannot wait to see what University of Nevada Reno brings me with the help of yet another set of teachers that will guide me to my future. That night, I called up my grandma and she mentioned that a gift would be coming as part of my accomplishments as a high school graduate. Without the help of teachers, faculty, family, and friends, I would not be the person I am today.