Two weeks ago, David Cook had just won American Idol and I had just graduated from high school.
What a momentous occasion. In that totally not really way.
Graduation was fairly boring, minus that nerve-wracking three minutes I spent in front of a crowd of 5 to 7,000 people. My speech went fairly well, and I suppose was well received? I was sort of self-conscious the whole time–not that I was pouring my heart or anything–it just had the potential to be embarrassing. I have to say after the initial 10 seconds of absolute fear (picture the crowd in their underwear?), the whole experience was sort of fun. I felt powerful having so many people (hopefully) listening to my every word. And even though not a single one of them (or even myself) remember much of what I said, it’s an experience I won’t soon forget. The speech is on YouTube, but I feel like a jerk posting it here. [Plus it seems much less dramatic from the crowd's view compared to from behind the podium.]
What else have I done? Oh that’s right. I went to DC for the National Science Olympiad Tournament (aka Na Sc O Tm). A fairly exciting experience though I hoped some of the freedom would be more invigorating. I got to ride the Metro around town with some of my friends, though I wish others had been with me too. I saw the monuments, the White House, some of the Smithsonian, and the Holocaust Museum. I also broke somewhere between 3 and 5 years of McDonald’s celibacy. A life changing experience in itself. Regretfully, I think I may have enjoyed the experience. But not as much as getting soaked by torrential rainfall and getting a 64oz Cherry Coke (for 99ยข!) at 10pm… two nights in a row.
Oh. And the competition itself. We finished 25th out of 60 overall, which is not shabby. I finished 5th in Chemistry Lab, 6th in Food Science, 11th in Physics Lab, and 27th in Experimental Design. I guess I’m fairly proud of my success, but I wish it would come in more handy. No more college apps.
Everyone in the world needs to listen to “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” by John Paul White.
I can’t get it out of my head.