What Freedom Means to Me

Walking across that stage last spring at the Minnesota Zoo was one of the coolest experiences of my life.  My dense fact is a high school diploma.  As an object, it is merely a piece of paper that declares that you, like so many other students, went to high school and deserve to graduate.  But in today's highly competetive job market, a high school diploma is crucial.  Going to college, travelling, working, and volunteering will help me be successful, however I decide to define that word.  I believe that the pay-off from service to other people will far out-weigh any paycheck.  When I read about people in other countries, especially girls who don't have access to education because of money or social restraints, I'm humbled.  It's a freedom that, at times, can feel like anything but freedom.  But it's the first step to getting to do what you've always dreamed of.