Thank You
I had to write thank you notes for everyone who sent me a little somethin-somethin for graduation/my birthday. The result is as follows. I wrote this at 3:00 in the morning, and I feel it basically sums everything up:
Dear Family and Friends,
Let me first begin this letter with an apology. After all of the excitement of graduation, parties, and starting my new job at Starbucks, I am only just sitting down now to write a letter of thanks to everyone who has no only taken the time to recognize my recent accomplishments, but has also supported me throughout my life in countless ways. Thinking back now, I can honestly say that there is not a single individual reading this letter right now who has not inspired or supported me in one way or another.
I've been extremely blessed to experience the things I have, especially in the past few years. I've traveled over seas for a foreign exchange program, and had a life-changing experience. I've had the privilege of attending some of the best schools and studying with some of the most inspiring and talented music teachers the world of music has to offer. After traveling to Los Angeles with my choir, being chosen to sing under the direction of the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, being elected vice-president of my high school vocal department, studying for the summer at the North Carolina School of the Arts, singing at churches, landing the best job any performer could ever ask for at First Congregational Church, flying on over 20 airplanes and traveling all over the country for 6 college auditions, performing in Footloose, being accepted into Northwestern, and so much more, I can honestly say that the last four years of high-school have been the richest ones of my life, so far.
Each of these experiences were no doubt incredible but unbelievably challenging at certain points. During the periods of exhaustion during after-school rehearsals or sitting in airports scrutinizing over what I thought was the worst audition of my life, or dealing with the frustrations of the drama that comes from high school, what brought me comfort was the support of everyone around me. Simply your genuine interest in my music and the direction I was taking my life meant more than you could know. The kind words after a church service, your request for recordings, your eagerness to attend performances made me feel like what I was doing was important, even though I couldn't understand why. Believe it or not, even the crying following my living room performances, which at first embarrassed me, taught me that I really was expressing genuine thoughts and emotions with my music.
In September, I'll be attending Northwestern, my dream school that always seemed like such a long shot despite your encouraging words. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Everything that happens to us, every person we meet is supposed to be there and serve a purpose in our lives. Each person reading this letter has helped me get to this point. No, seriously, EVERYONE. In a way, it's all so unreal. But then, when I really think about it, I realize that God has blessed me with some of the kindest, insightful, talented, and generous individuals on earth. If only every graduate could have a support system like I do. I don't know what more I can say except thank you. Thank you all so much for helping me become the fortunate person I am today.
One of the last songs I ever performed with the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Singers is "For Good" from the musical Wicked. I'd like to leave you with the lyrics that only partially express my feelings of love and gratitude towards all of you.
Let me first begin this letter with an apology. After all of the excitement of graduation, parties, and starting my new job at Starbucks, I am only just sitting down now to write a letter of thanks to everyone who has no only taken the time to recognize my recent accomplishments, but has also supported me throughout my life in countless ways. Thinking back now, I can honestly say that there is not a single individual reading this letter right now who has not inspired or supported me in one way or another.
I've been extremely blessed to experience the things I have, especially in the past few years. I've traveled over seas for a foreign exchange program, and had a life-changing experience. I've had the privilege of attending some of the best schools and studying with some of the most inspiring and talented music teachers the world of music has to offer. After traveling to Los Angeles with my choir, being chosen to sing under the direction of the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, being elected vice-president of my high school vocal department, studying for the summer at the North Carolina School of the Arts, singing at churches, landing the best job any performer could ever ask for at First Congregational Church, flying on over 20 airplanes and traveling all over the country for 6 college auditions, performing in Footloose, being accepted into Northwestern, and so much more, I can honestly say that the last four years of high-school have been the richest ones of my life, so far.
Each of these experiences were no doubt incredible but unbelievably challenging at certain points. During the periods of exhaustion during after-school rehearsals or sitting in airports scrutinizing over what I thought was the worst audition of my life, or dealing with the frustrations of the drama that comes from high school, what brought me comfort was the support of everyone around me. Simply your genuine interest in my music and the direction I was taking my life meant more than you could know. The kind words after a church service, your request for recordings, your eagerness to attend performances made me feel like what I was doing was important, even though I couldn't understand why. Believe it or not, even the crying following my living room performances, which at first embarrassed me, taught me that I really was expressing genuine thoughts and emotions with my music.
In September, I'll be attending Northwestern, my dream school that always seemed like such a long shot despite your encouraging words. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Everything that happens to us, every person we meet is supposed to be there and serve a purpose in our lives. Each person reading this letter has helped me get to this point. No, seriously, EVERYONE. In a way, it's all so unreal. But then, when I really think about it, I realize that God has blessed me with some of the kindest, insightful, talented, and generous individuals on earth. If only every graduate could have a support system like I do. I don't know what more I can say except thank you. Thank you all so much for helping me become the fortunate person I am today.
One of the last songs I ever performed with the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Singers is "For Good" from the musical Wicked. I'd like to leave you with the lyrics that only partially express my feelings of love and gratitude towards all of you.
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with meLike a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:
Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good
Thank you all for everything!
Love,
Kelley Hollis
Love,
Kelley Hollis
So, that basically sums up my life so far.
Damn.
posted by kelbell188 at 10:14 AM
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