"What's left?" That's the question I'm thinking about now,after I graduated from Grandview. What memories,what knowledge, what truth is left after two and a half years at that magnificent school? Since I genuinely loved that place, I believe there will be only good things I'm taking with me.

When my ELA teacher asked our group, what is one memory we have for high school, it was hard for me to decide. Every day at Grandview was a memorable experience, no matter how trivial the occasion was. But amidst all of them I should single out one day I will remember for a life time. I came to Grandview early, at about 6:30 or so, and sat waiting in front of U104, one of my favourite classrooms. I am not sure how long I've been waiting, craving the scent of the morning at Grandview. I had a book with me, Evgeniy Onegin by one of the most prominent Russian writers and poets, Alxander Pushkin. I've never read a page of this book-long poem after that day. Then ms.Wetherbee came and opened the class, and let me in. Then the first student came. It was Nelly Luna, from Columbia, one of 2007 graduates, and really nice friend. The next one was Kherlen, from Mongolia; she was one of the first people I drew.

I sat in the first row desk, turning pages of the book, and trying to concentrate on it. But how could I, when the classrooms, silent and empty at first, began to fill with smiles, laughs, questions, and friendly looks. Soon I let the book rest on the small desk, and began reading a book I picked up at the book shelf in the far left corner of the classroom, and began reading. Franklin,one of the 2007 graduates, explained to me SSR. It was basically a reading session for 15 minutes before each class, benefits of which I would appreciate very soon.

After that ms. Wetherbee introduced me briefly to the class and let me introduce myself a little bit. It was my very first time I ever spoke English for myself and for people around. The words, somewhat awkwardly, formed themselves, my voice shaking a little bit, and I am sure barely covering the beat of my palpitating heart.

That was my very first class in ELA and Grandview. Later Khalkidan,a short in height but tall in heart girl, showed me where each classroom was. The next day was not much less exiting, and perhaps many things considered amazing,unusual, astounding on that day became mundane, my first day at Grandview is exactly that one memory ms. Wetherbee was asking about. It is a special kind of memory, like the kiss of your first love, or ...That day stands in my memory along with my former class's graduation in Ukraine last year, and meeting the sunrise on the local river, which is a common custom in my town; with January 21^st ,2007, which is the day I boarded a plane in Kiev,went to New York, and then Denver; with walking through the streets of Prague for the first time in 5am. And now as my graduation approaches, memories of Grandview begin to rush through my memory with alacrity of lightning, especially when I look at the photos made a year or two ago. And so many of these memories there are. ELA Tailgate party, Christmas, Thanksgiving; Mrs. Powell's, Mrs.Bailey's,Mrs. Dosher's Mrs.Wood's,Mr.Batt's, Mr.Criner's classes; junior escort; after-prom. Perhaps like Ramber from The Plague, who realized how much he liked Paris only after he got stuck in quarantined Oran, upon my Graduation I began to see how much I liked every single trivial thing about Grandview.

From the first day and till my graduation this Thursday, every day at this school was a memorable experience. Although there were some annoying people,whom I will miss also , the staff and students of Grandview were always incredibly nice and kindhearted to me. It felt like family.

Of course I am sad to leave . To leave such a incredible institution, to which I developed affinity and attachment, is very hard. But nonetheless we all know that it is the nature of things- people come and go. Now I will leave, and try to preserve what I learned at Grandview, especially what I learned this year.

And of course I am glad to leave. The end of something means beginning of something new. I shall begin new school life, meet new people, learn something new.

Hence I am convinced that everything is as it should be. It feels right that I went to Grandview, although originally my parents wanted me in different school,Smoky Hill, which is closer to our home. Was it fate or auspicious coincidence that they did not have place for me? I know not. But whatever affected that situation, I am glad and proud that I went to Grandview.

I am also thankful. I'm thankful  for everyone who came across my path in these two and a half magnificent years. Ms.Wetherbee,Jiwei, Khalkidan, Mamoun,Mr.Batt, Megan,Daniella,Mr. Jansen, Pavel, Kerou, Cammi and Li,Shu Zhen, Yoolim, Ms. Olsen,Ms.Bailey, Mr.Maestas,Joane, Biwruktawit, Mr. Criner, Eric, Bereket, Ms.Wood, Pr.Dudley,
et al. There are so many names, and I hope you all know that I appreciate each and everyone of you for helping me. 

So what's left after graduation? A lot of kind names, a lot of useful knowledge, satisfaction from accomplishments, with a little hint of sadness. What's now? Future supported by experience at the best school in the world.

Although graduation is approaching, I still have three circles of hell that I must go through. Namely, AP Physics B exam, AP English Language and Composition exam, and Senior finals. I sincerely believe that I can score pretty good on all of them. However, the shadow of doubt is thrown into my mind by four vicious words- should have and could have. This year I should have done some thing better, and could have done much more. But these words won't change anything now- I have no time left. There is only one thing I can do now- go through these circles. But let me forget these sad thoughts. Today is Mother's Day! Don't forget to congratulate them-those tender guardians of our childhood.

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I must admit, I am angry, even enraged, with myself. I have only 10 days, even less than that, but I am unprepared to the exams; I wanted to keep a nearly regular journal, but I haven't written in a long time. But no matter what, chastising myself will do no good.

So what's up? How's everybody doing? In my life everything is still the same. Soon enough,though, I will not be waking up and frantically rushing to school, and only one word gives a simple, but sufficient explanation: graduation. Of course, it is kind of nice to finally see the twilight of the 12 years in high school and the dawn of something new, but at the same time a nostalgic worm gnaws over these same 12 years. Especially over last two years at Grandview, which I will sincerely miss. Perhaps it is true that we should not develop in ourselves any feeling of attachment to any place in this world, but we are all merely humans.

So any exiting news?Nope. Except approaching AP exams, ELA graduation party on Friday, baseball's final game of the season tomorrow, and bunch of tests, practices, and things to turn in to check out, to check in, and etc. 还有下个星期三有一个考试在我的中文一级课。In my English class I have to read Plainsong by Kent Haruf. Mr. Batt, my teacher says it has some profanity in it. Well, I want to read it anyway. Besides, I want to raise my grade in that class, and since it is AP course they give you extra credit. Not that I would worry about my credits, but I guess it is a natural greed for better grades)))

So here are some vocabulary words for you, chicos. All taken from my AP English vocabulary packet:

• erratic- lacking in consistency;

• errant-straying outside of proper bounds;

• erroneous-incorect;

• implausible- highly imaginative, but not likely to occur.

I did not provide any examples here. I hope they are all quite clear, but if you need I can elucidate their meaning for you,ok? Have a good time guys. While we all can...

• vindicate-vb (-cating, -cated) 1. to clear (someone) of guilt or suspicion

  2. to provide justification for; Example: the arrests may vindicate the strong-arm tactics

  vindication n.

• bewilder-vb to confuse utterly; puzzle

• to fall through- not happen as planned. Example: My trip to San Francisco fell through, because I had to work this week end.

• With bated breath-while nervously waiting Example: I watched him perform the dangerous trick with bated breaths.

• Anticipate-v. To expect. Example: We anticipate that the patient will recover soon.