Butterfly: A Sign for Renewal, Rebirth, and Change

It still hasn't completely hit me yet: summer is coming rapidly to a close. I don't want to say end per se, because it's simply a beginning. There has been so much filled into this summer that I don't want to forget:
I had a wonderful roadtrip around Arizona, Utah, and Vegas with my family, my mom's best friend, and two of her kids.
I met many new people through summer tennis camp and speech and debate camp.
I got closer to some of my previous friends.
I realized more than ever how special the people in my life are.
I had some spontaneous hang outs.
I was assistant chef in creating a feast for a picnic in the park with my friends.
I went to the beach and several pool parties.
I beasted at Twister and charades with my friends.
I went to my first real concert with my sister: Usher!
I hung out at the park with my sister, one of my best friends, her sister, and our sister's friends.
I volunteered.
I saw a rock concert held at the park.
I have been going running; beating personal bests and feeling amazing about it.
Who knows what tomorrow will hold?
For me tomorrow should be ton loads of fun: MOCK TOURNAMENT for speech and debate. Boy am I a nerd or what? It's okay; I've found a place for myself within our school and speech and debate is definitely that place.
For more tomorrows to come: I'm going to be a senior!!! I can hardly believe it! (WHO WHO? ONE TWO! CLASS OF 2012!) I'm not sure if I'm ready for all this yet, but whether or not I am, it's coming. Hello Senior Sunrise, College Apps, Senior Luau, Senior Prom, Senior Presentations, Senior Sunset, Graduation, Grad Night, and every amazing thing in between.

Often times, when I'm out and about or simply reclined pensively, a butterfly crosses my path, fluttering along; sometimes one comes about and circles me. This always brings a smile to my face. It makes me think about how things will constantly change, but change isn't always bad. It's a sign to me that everything will turn out okay and things happen for a reason.

One day during the last school year, I wrote a poem called Butterfly Wings and read it in English class; as I was walking to my next class during passing period, this beautiful monarch butterfly fly up and circled around me several times before flying off into the blue of the sky.

I am Vanessa, Greek for butterfly. And I will be butterfly: a sign for renewal, rebirth, and change. I will be butterfly - fluttering off free and liberated to a new place and new life - traveling the wonders the world has to offer.