Class of 2017
Academy
Williamsburg
Madeline Fackrell
When I was younger I loved animals, specifically dogs. I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian when I was older so I could be around dogs. Nine years later, my dream changed significantly. I no longer adore animals in the way I did years ago, and that’s okay. Dreams change as you grow and have new experiences. After coming to Williamsburg, I learned about myself and doing what is best for me. I decided a while ago that being a veterinarian was not for me.
My whole life I had been home schooled up until I was fourteen. I did school on my own time, which means I spent most of the day having fun and playing. And for a young girl that is great and easy going, but there is a point in life where reality hits you. And that happened to fifteen year old me. I went longer than most people to get started on my real education. To make one thing clear, I did learn lots of things growing up. I learned how to read and I did math every day, I also learned to clean which I am now so grateful for! I just hadn't buckled down and learned more than the basics.
Through my experiences here at Williamsburg, I have done things that past me would never have thought possible. I have attended live classes and completed assignments with deadlines. There is something I must confess. My freshmen year I had not planned on graduating and so I thought that I should only take the classes I wanted, which meant none. You see, I was afraid of working hard and I thought being busy with work was bad. I was scared to commit to something like school. I only took one class my freshmen year. My Sophomore year I took a whole load of classes and it was not as bad as I thought! It was hard and challenging. There were times I felt like giving up, but for some reason I kept turning in assignments, and attending class. By the end of sophomore year, I had considered graduating. My junior year was incredibly crazy! I had taken quite a few summer classes to make up for lost time, and I piled on the course load. I was taking 8 courses and I felt a bit overwhelmed. I finished junior year and took some more summer classes. Now we are to current time. I finally have a normal school schedule and I am learning a ton! Life is not perfect, but it is great and I have given myself time for fun even though I am still in school.
While being here at Williamsburg, I have attended three Elevation sessions. They have been the most life changing experiences I have ever had! I met so many amazing people and made the best friends ever! I challenged myself in ways I never thought I could! I competed in the Williamsburger and I finished it! To be honest, that was something that I never thought I could do. While being at Elevation, I developed a love for Ascension! And it is funny to think that I was terrified of it my first session and avoided doing it at all costs. I guess that just goes to show that you can grow to love things you are scared to do at first.
I am so grateful for the amazing friendships I have made while being at Williamsburg! And I am going to miss the culture that has been developed by so many students. I.
While growing up these last four years I have learned a lot! And there have been some things that I have discovered that are truly amazing once you understand it! There are three main things that I would like to share that I have learned!
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You do what you want to do because no one else can make you happy or feel successful. There is no point in choosing big life decisions for yourself because of what another person wants you to do.
2. No one is paying attention to you, so it’s okay to wear the clothes you want to wear. Even if it means triple patterns. People will not care what you are doing! And this can be the most freeing thing!
3. It’s totally okay to let out the young child in you. It’s alright to giggle about silly things, and to run outside and jump around for no good reason. Let your soul stay young for as long as possible. It is no fun being serious and solemn all of the time!
Once I graduate I plan to serve my LDS mission for eighteen months, and once I am home from that I am going to attend a beauty school and get my license. I am hoping to get some traveling in between graduation and my mission! The type of education I am getting after high school is a bit different, and it is something that I have become passionate about and enjoy doing.
Thank you all for being a part of my life and journey! I hope to see you all after graduation!