Feb 11, 2010- The Princess Costume and The Crown.

Tears fled my eyes as I peered at Daniel in front of the whole class talking about his life story. In my opinion it’s been the most eye opening experience of this whole trip yet because I felt as if I could connect with him. It was weird because I didn’t know him before all I knew, all we knew, that he was M’s brother and he was an Olympic Athlete. But now I see him as Daniel the person who’s made it through tons of struggles and became a top notch world Athlete but made the time to come and talk to us. I loved how he said I just wanted to be surrounded by people like you. That really hit me and made me think hard about the people whom which we all are today.
As he talked about our education and how we have to strive hard in school because it’s our background I felt myself seep lower and lower in my chair. I’ve slacked really badly in school this year and I think it too me all this time to realize it. I’ve always done well in school and I honestly believe I can do a whole lot better than how I’m doing right now. It scares me to think that I may have sunk so low that it will be hard to dig myself out again but Daniel for some reason opened my eyes and made me believe that I could do it. I would be that girl who does well in school again. It’s taken me this long to realize I’ve messed up and I’m believe that it wont take me this long to learn how to fix it. It’s crazy to believe that things can change over years and that change is in the air. I’m not good with change. I never have been and I hope that will take a drastic toll and change for the better for me, if that makes sense because in my head it does.
Daniel brought tears to my eyes and I really wish he was coming on our trip with us because I think he would be an asset to our group. He and Matheny are really alike both great at telling stories that intrigue us and make us want to stay in our hideous princess suits while we stroll into the classroom late, no big deal.
It was a real eye opener and I’m grateful and honored to share this experience with him, and all of you. Thanks for being you, everyone.