Thanks, Dr. Seuss

Unlike any other story I've ever read, "Oh, the Places You'll Go" has an open ending; meaning I can pick up where the story leaves off. Seuss ends by saying, "You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!"

But as a high school senior, I could hardly see my way. My last three years of academic performance were all bad. I was in what Dr. Seuss would call a "Slump." I experienced hang-ups and bang-ups galore.

It all started in the 9th grade, when I began that whole teenage rebellion thing. My grades were pathetic. My friends didn't care about school, so I didn't either. Passing didn't seem possible. Who wouldn't be stressed in that situation?

I almost gave up. I was in Seuss' infamous "waiting room," just waiting for things to miraculously get better.

But at the beginning of my senior year, it became obvious that I might not graduate. It was looking like I'd have to take summer school instead of walking the stage with my friends in June. Then I remembered that Seuss told me, "No! That's not for you!" He was right, I had been performing below my abilities, and I was finally able to see that. So I climbed up out of that slump, stopped waiting, and made things happen for myself.

I went to my teachers and asked them what I needed to do improve my grades. I spent many many nights making up math assignments. I did extra credit. I talked to my school counselor every week. I didn't go out as much, and I even cut open, I mean dissected, a pig. Yuck! I'm glad to say, I passed every single class last semester.

From Huxley to Hansberry, I've read a lot of books in school, but Dr. Seuss has been one of the most relevant. He calls life a "great balancing act." I couldn't agree more.

There were times when I felt like nothing was leaning in my favor and everything was falling out of place.

This year I'll turn 18, and I'll have to make more of my own decisions. I'll try to remember to be dexterous and deft, and not mix up my right from my left.

With a Perspective, I'm Rayana Godfrey.