Until my Junior year (I am pretty sure that is the right year). A new boy joined our class. His name was Sangam and he was an exchange student from Nepal. And he was pretty smart.
Throughout Elementary and Middle School, I had always had another boy that was neck and neck with me with grades. It was nice having the competition to help push me. I had a slight break from that early High School but Sangam brought that competition spirit back, whether he knew it or not.
Sadly, during our Senior Year, I quickly saw my life long dream of being the Valedictorian of my class slipping away. Not going to lie, I felt pretty cheated. I finished 2nd and earned the title of Salutatorian. At least I still got to give a speech.
Our graduation ceremony was scheduled in the evening. And not just any evening but on an evening in which the Colorado Avalanche was playing an oh so important play-off game against the New Jersey Devils. They were fighting for the Stanley Cup!!! My friend Sarah and I made sure to help out anyone who was sadly missing the game. She hid a mini radio under her robe with ear buds and I had a dry erase board brought in and placed under my chair by a family member. She would tell me the score, I would write it on the board and hold it up for all to see ;). When it was my turn to give my speech, I began by updating everyone with the score. Good Times.
Any-who, today's song was the song I used for my speech. I know it wasn't original and other's have done the same, but I love the lyrics. I tried to find my entire speech but I couldn't. The words choked me up then and are now as I listen and type. This is how I want to live my life.
"When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I Hope You Dance!"
