so I am at this program and dare I say its not really a mountain school esque crew. I am back yet again with another group of teenagers who are constantly bashing and putting down each other trying to get boys, get girls and brag about what they have. thats actually one of the worst parts- i hate when people just try to sell themselves and show themselves off. its just hard to tolerate it all when i know that i know better. i learned today that a girl spoke about me behind my back in saying that I was weird and not like anyone she knows.. whatever though, i don't want to be like everyone else. as much as people used to say oh you remind me of someone (i guess they were saying this in the beginning and not the middle or end of the semester) none of you remind me of people anymore. and i know i am weird because i have taken little bits of each of you and added it to my personality- I insert anikas sayings in my every day language, i think i have picked up some of rafis hand gestures, taylor's philosophical ideas, milton lingo ("sick lighting PA.." ok i dont really say that exactly but its there with me since I have heard that story multiple times), ians humor, inspiration from kianas slam, i drag my tote bag every where, i put on my fleece and mountain school sweatshirt whenever possible, nostalgia is a most played track on my ipod... the list goes on and on but what i am saying is that i am so happy that i am taking you with me. of course i am weird but i am so so lucky and when these annoying kids are gossiping and when i am trying to even impress them myself i really am trying to take a step back and realize how lucky i am for having you. because that is far more important

each one of you made the mountain school what it was for me. all i can say is thank you, i might be a little less weird but i wouldn't be me without you