And the Battle Begins…
Life is a battlefield.
You fight or you die. But then again, everyone dies. School is one of the many
battles thrusted your way. It is a battle that takes years. Twelve to be exact.
Your first few years on this precious earth are preparation for it. You learn
fundamentals. Skills and tactics to keep you alive, or at least provide a hope
that you will live to see graduation. Each year the battle gets harder. The
common soldiers are replaced with lieutenants, then sergeants, then captains,
then generals. You start with nothing but you train all day. You sweat and
bleed. You get bruised and battered.
But if you are a true
fighter, you won’t raise that white flag. You can think about it. You can reach
for it. But you’ll never raise it. That’s how I am. I have been the soldier
lying in a field, blood dripping from my heart, but I never raised the white
flag. I’ve thought about it. I’ve reached for the flag. I have felt the rough
pole, the wood against my skin, my fingers curling around it. But I did not
lift it. I fought on. I got to my knees. I rose to my feet. I stood tall. Now I
fight for the last time. But I do so with a hope to see the light at the end of
the tunnel. I fight to survive but that is not the sole purpose of the fight. I
have come a long way. I do not enjoy this fight but I have made my peace with
it. I will use the tools I have picked up. I shall continue to use the tactics
and skills that have been taught, because when this battle ends…
…the next one begins.
Okay, yes dramatics.
What can I say? I’m a writer. These essays need a good flare. How else will
anyone read them? You cannot just say, “It’s a new year of school. It will be
hard. But I want to learn to write.” That’s ridiculous…a disgrace to writing
world. And we can’t have that now, can we? So, dear reader, excuse the
dramatics, the creative license, and the sarcasm in this essay. This year is
the last year of high school. I will strive for excellence in all subjects,
including those I do not wish to take. I wish to learn more about writing, the
editorial process and publishing. I want to work toward a career as a writer.
And to you, and all
that read this essay, I make this promise. I, Jasmine K. Schmidt, will fight
the good fight, in life, in school, in faith, and all else that comes my way
with honor, dignity, and strength. I shall get back up when I am crushed. I
know that storms may come and I know there will be times where I reach for that
flag. But I will not, I repeat, will not, surrender. The battle is beginning
and I have my armor on and my weapons ready. I shall make it through. I do this
not for recognition, nor medals, but for the glory of the Lord. I am his
masterpiece, his chosen, his precious daughter.
I take up my role as a
daughter, as a writer, and as a student. This coming year will be filled with
opportunity, challenges, and wonderful surprises. Throw whatever you want at
me…
…I’m ready.