wow. just wow.

I just have to admit, when i found out that people cry when they're happy, i thought they were crazy. that is, until i did it myself.

yesterday, May 2nd 2008, was the last day i would ever wear my AFJROTC uniform, seeing as how i wouldn't be in the program the next school year. i knew i was going to get my two year certificate so that was no surprise. but last night at the awards banquet when Col. Norman announced the next award, which was the Military Officers Association of America medal, i leaned over to whisper to my friend, "It's not me." because i was certain it wasn't. the medal was given to cadets who showed exceptional potential in military leadership and i could barely remember the commands when i was Flight Seargent.

but the next thing i knew, my name was called. my mouth was in the shape of an "O" as i stood up to recieve my award. once i got to the front (which is also in front of war veterans, my peers and their families) i saluted and recieved my award. i must admit, though, i was so shocked, i can't remember what rank my presenter was, i think she might've been a Col. in the Air Force, said to me as i was up there, "You look shocked." And i replied back, "I am." and she said to me, "Congratualtions, you earned it." all i could do was smile and say "thank you."

as i walked back to my seat, all i could hear were my friends clapping and cheering for me, i had just gotten my first medal. but back to the happy tears part, as soon as i sat down i did the silliest thing imaginable. i really did start to cry. i guess i was just so happy that i was recognized, or it might've been bittersweet. i'd never get the chance to wear that medal on my uniform. or maybe it was because i felt i didn't deserve it. i looked around at all the other cadets and picked out people i knew were much more worthy of that medal than me. but just confiding into my friend Neng made all that go away. She said i was pick to recieve that award for a reason. and if i didn't deserve it, i wouldn't have been picked. that made me feel a whole lot better but then it was only the begining of more happy moments to come.

later that night, my class (Charlie Flight) was awarded with the Outstanding Flight Award (and all the bragging rights that go along with it) and what's even better, our entire AFJROTC unit was awarded one of the top in the nation. it was the most amazing feeling, having contributed to this wonderful program. even if people contributed much more than me, i still did my part to the best of my ability. and i must say i'm very sad to be leaving this wonderful program that has taught me so much. i'm going to miss saying the pledge every morning and getting to fly the flight simulator and everything. I am extremely proud of CA-20017 and everything they have accomplished and i will continue to support not just them, but the United States military as well. and everything that i learned because of ROTC i will never ever forget.

~christy

P.S. i will not mention this at school personally. i have high values of humility.