The fact that I am standing here today, delivering a high school graduation speech is nothing short of an act of God. Before I came to this school, life was difficult to say the least. I found myself using drugs and alcohol my freshman year, and things progressed as I got older. By my junior year, I was abusive, cruel, cold, and a lost soul. I had no recognition of family or God. Things began to change when I was sent away June 4, 2008.
I was sent to a wilderness program and spent the entire summer out there. My most memorable experience there was when we were on solo, which is where you spend 4 days and 4 nights completely secluded and silent. I was not able to manage sitting with myself, and found the other kids in the group during the night. I lied to the staff there about it when questioned. When I had to look my group in their eyes and admit what I had done, I felt guilty and ashamed. I began to really pray after this experience and found satisfaction, however this wasn’t enough to convince me that my life was not going in the right direction. I was sent to the Family School August 23, 2008.
At this point in my recovery, I knew I had a problem when I used drugs and alcohol, but I thought that I simply needed to take it easy next time around. I continued having these thoughts until I really did my 4th step with Father Stephen and my sponsor, Pete when I was here 9 months. Had it not been for that moment of clarity and complete honesty, I would still be stuck in my lies and deceitfulness. As difficult as it was for me to be rigorously honest, I have found that my life is most satisfying when I am at peace within my own mind and have inner serenity.
I would not have attained this had it not been for the help of my dear friend Victor C. It wasn’t until I was encouraged by Victor that I had any willingness to completely surrender to the program. I remember having many discussions with him about real happiness, however I wasn’t sure what it was. I had never experienced it for myself. Victor opened my eyes to the program and taught me how to be truly loving and compassionate towards other human beings. I will always remember Victor because he stayed back an extra day after graduation to spend with the family. It was apparent to me then that this day did not mean he had finally graduated and could get out, rather that he was leaving a place that he made real relationships with people and would actually miss when he finally left. Thank you Victor for helping me see the good in others and in this program.
I think the most important thing I will take from this school is the relationships with my close friends. Through these people, I have been able to open up and become the young man God created me to be. Today, I am honest, loving, understanding, patient, and generous towards other people. I am no longer self-consumed and am concerned with how my actions can impact others. Fr. Stephen once told me that every small action any one person makes ripples throughout all of eternity. I find this to be true in my life. If I was able to negatively affect people as much as I used to, I can do the same positively now, and that is my intention as I leave this school and move on in my life. Before I finish, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few good people who have impacted me in my recovery. Pete, you have been my sponsor since I came to this school. You showed me how to work the steps and taught me that I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Jesse, you have given me hope that people can really change if they have the desire and willingness to do so. Don’t give up, even though you sometimes feel like it’s too hard. Everyone back in admissions, thanks for teaching me not to take myself so seriously, showing me a flippant side of things. Smith house, thanks for taking me in as your own and for helping me grow as a young man. Mom and dad, you have drastically impacted my life for the better. I am glad you have been a part of my recovery and hope to keep you involved as I leave this school. To the graduating class of December 2009 may the Lord bless you and keep you Let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you and your family kindly giving good health, safety, protection from evil things and peace.
S. C., Alumni, December 2009
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