Eighth grade Grad Night, a private ticketed event exclusively for thousands of middle school kids allowed to let loose without parents or guardians yet deemed "safe", is a rite of passage unlike any other. Culmination is near. And high school is on the horizon.
Saying that Presley had a wild night at Universal Studios might be an understatement. The break came just in time as all his commitments were winding down.
This memoir starts off with Presley joining the volleyball team at school.
He never played before. And yet, he fell in love. Not with girls who wear knee pads but with the sport.
His practice schedule was demanding. But all the hard work payed off.
They made it to the Division 1 Championship game but lost to South Gate middle school.
Watching fourteen year old boys cry is heart-wrenching. Let me leave this story for another time.
He still had his basketball league commitments.
Plus America's Battle of the Books competition which he dropped because of his conflicting schedule.
And because he had nothing else to do why not add competing with his San Fernando Valley Youth Olympics team to the list.
He rested in between games.
Napped in between practices. He was exhausted.
Now on top of his extra-curriculars and video game fixation, he still had to maintain his grades and show up for school (which he did, dragging his body weight on the school bus with eyes still shut). At the end of the year, he was recognized with certificates and joined other high-achievers in receiving a Valedictorian medal.
Evidently no matter how much I get on this boy about taking on too much, his dedication and determination always triumphs. His self-reliant attitude amazes me.
What kind of life are you going to carve out for yourself? Where will all paths lead?
Where ever he goes or what ever he does, I'll be there watching in awe from the sidelines with glistening eyes and my heart full of pride.
For the time being, Presley has spread himself thin once again thinking it would be a sensible idea to take a college level course and Spanish 1 this summer. Here's to mastering your Administrative Justice 001 and Spanish 1 class in five weeks. It's on you mijo...Te Amo!