In recent days, we have wished our graduates a happy life. We’ve told them face to face and written sentiments in cards that we hope their paths are straight and their futures prosperous.  Likely, however, those paths will have many twists and turns. Though it would be nice to always have our ducks in a row, so to speak, it’s usually more like a scavenger hunt, piecing it all together – both successes and lessons learned – to build the life meant for us. There are proverbial bumps in the road. Sometimes coming up short of our goal makes us try even harder and appreciate attainment of that goal even more. Other times, disappointments are blessings in disguise. As some windows of opportunity close, others open. We just never know where the road of life may take us. And that's pretty exciting. 

 

In interviewing some of our 2014 Bridgeport High School graduates, I was quite impressed with some of the stories they shared and early lessons they have learned to that regard.

 

A week or so ago – before she and her fellow team members clinched the WVSSAC Class AA track title – Rachel Fulks told me she was quite humbled and surprised to be named most athletic female in her senior class.  In elementary school, she wasn’t known for her athletic ability. In fact, she was a little clumsy – and typically the last pick in her gym class for team sports. It really wasn’t her thing. Going into middle school, she had her eye on becoming a member of the dance team. At a most vulnerable age in her life, she experienced a pretty big letdown; one which she can now look back on in a very different light. 

 

“I feel like being cut from the dance team in sixth grade, though devastating to my adolescent heart, was fate,” said Rachel, who subsequently found she had an interest in track – serving as an alternative outlet for her energy and competitive spirit. “I have made some of my closest friends through cross country and track, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

 

She has many memorable school track moments, including qualification for individual state cross country competition in the fall of 2013. She wasn’t a favorite, making it all the more sweet. Rachel - who six years ago, never imagined being a track star - will compete in track and cross country events at West Virginia Wesleyan College this fall. It may come as no surprise that she is particularly good at long distance events; those which require endurance.

 

Chosen by her classmates as the most talented female at BHS this year, Rebecca Turnbull has nurtured her passion for the stage since she was a preschooler. Her parents were traveling worship leaders who settled at Fellowship Bible Church, where Rebecca helped lead music as a little girl and sang back up for the worship team. She became involved with worship dance through Doxa Dance and went on to study dance at various other local studios. She went to elementary school at Heritage Christian School, where she was in plays – including the fourth grade role of “Jungle Jean” in the musical, “King of the Jungle.”

 

“All through grade school, I was thoroughly convinced that I was going to be a movie star, since I liked getting to be the storyteller and doing what other kids were not comfortable enough to do,” she said.

 

Rebecca figured out at a young age that stepping outside the box brought about opportunity; opportunity beyond the obvious. While honing her talents throughout high school – including parts in BHS plays and thespian troupe involvement - she also became interested in journalism and public relations. She also learned that artistic souls also possess creativity and a risk-taking nature – making oncoming challenges and leadership roles more appealing.

 

Rebecca’s wide range of interests not only helped her earn scholarships for her college education, but also helped direct her choices with regard to field of study. At Marshall University, she plans to pursue a dual major in journalism and International affairs and is considering a minor in theater or dance. It’s good to keep those options open, she said.

 

“Life is full of surprises, and maybe, someday, having that minor in theater will come in handy with whatever direction I'm going in,” Rebecca said. “Whether that means I'll be a starring actress on Broadway someday or a little old woman directing local school plays and teaching theater classes, I'll be content with however my talents come into play.”

 

I know there are many inspiring stories out there – and many more to come. I can’t wait to see the places the road of life takes you all. Best wishes to the class of 2014. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter!

 

More "It's Happening" HERE.