This isn’t how I pictured this journey would end. 20 weeks of hard rigorous training. A lot of sweat and hell of a lot of tears during that time. I knew at the end of this I would have to say goodbye to a lot of friendships I’ve made here which hurt enough as it was, but I didn’t think I’d have to say goodbye to someone so close to me when I was at the finish line. I did this for not only myself and my future but the future i thought I was going to have. But, as much as I tried to shape the future I had imagined, plans don’t always work out the way you want them to. No matter how hard you try. And that’s life I guess. But you don’t give up. That’s what I’ve learned. You keep going. You keep fighting. I’m proud of myself. I did this. Me. I conquered these obstacles. But I didn’t do it alone. I had love. Which got me through my training until that love was lost. But during my pain and depression from that lost love did I realize, that, that love didn’t dissipate. It wasn’t completely lost. That love was still there. Given to me by my family and my friends back home and the friendships I’ve made on this journey of strength and courage and pride. I’ve been given a path I didn’t know was coming and I have no choice but to take it. Where am I going? I don’t know. But what I do know is, is that this, this moment, graduating and feeling the rush of accomplishments, coming home to my loved ones and feeling nothing but pure joy has given me such a drive and motivation to keep going and keep loving and keep on. I didn’t lose. I gained. I am proud of what I’ve done. I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. So cheers to the good times, cheers to the pain, cheers to hurt, cheers to tears, but most of all, cheers to love. Without it, I wouldn’t have made it. I am home. 🥹🫡💙🇺🇸