Skip to main content

Out of the Darkness Walk

 


As many people know, there is a student who goes to our school named Olivia Cranford. She and her family brought up the great idea to start an "Out of the Darkness" walk so people who have been affected by suicide or who are trying to show awareness can come together and share their experiences with one another while spreading kind words of encouragement and love. I personally think that this was a great opportunity to show people that their life is worth living. The number of people in the community who came together to help with this event is astounding. I first heard about this walk last year around summer time. It came up on my instagram feed and invited me to register and to attend the walk. Because I have been affected by suicide and I know others who have as well, I decided to look into the information and to register. I am so very glad that I did.

Since this was my second year attending this walk, I knew what I was going into. There were tons of tents with crafts and activities awaiting me and my friends. There was one specific tent that had different colored beads. Each color represented your relationship with suicide. As I looked around, I realized how many people have been affected by suicide. There was an opportunity to paint rocks and make posters for the Greenbelt. It was so much fun to be with my friends while writing loving phrases and comments for others to see. After we were done with our crafts and posters, there was a bead ceremony where people held their colored beads in the air. This was a real tear jerker for me because it was really eye opening to see others having something in common, even if it's about an unfortunate circumstance. 

When the walk was over, which was two short laps around the trail, I had some time to think about my experience at the event. It was beautiful to see and feel the kindness all around me. The hugs, high fives, smiles, and friendly faces I saw today reminded myself that the world is not a bad place. All the time we get our faces shoved in the dirt of the news and social media, that we can barely recognize the good around us. I am truly thankful to live in a place like Carrollton that is open and accepting towards everyone. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

College Visit to Alabama

  The University of Alabama has been a big part of my family for many years. My parents received their master's from Alabama and I have many friends and family who have gone there or at least applied to the school. Because college is coming soon and it is time to narrow down my choices, I decided to travel to Tuscaloosa during winter break to scope out the school! This wasn't my first time visiting, however, this would be the first time that I explored the school with a student who attends the university.  Our first goal of the trip was to get a tour of the campus. Because she had a meeting at the beginning of the day and our schedule was tight, she gave my friend, Amelia, and me a ride around the campus. She gave a really good and thorough tour around the school and it was very helpful in regard to what I should be looking for in a school. Afterward, we got lunch and had to shop, of course. No matter what school I will end up going to, I will have to know the best stores!...
1 comment
Read more

Carroll County's Military Ball

  This past Saturday, April 15th, I attended Carroll County's Military Formal hosted by all of the county schools. This event is designed for JROCT members from the county schools to recognize special guests and veterans who act as role models for all cadets. I got invited by my brother who is a freshman at Central High School. He is new to the school and wanted someone to attend with him. I couldn't say no and I am glad I didn't! It was a great learning experience.  The event started at approximately 5:00pm. Remember that this is a very formal event so I had to wear a dress like you would wear to prom. I enjoy being at formal events, but this was like no other event I've been to! We started off the evening by meeting the guests of honor and shaking each of their hands. They were very friendly and easy to talk to! I was very eager to get to know some of them. Next, we joined about 100 other people in a room full of fully set tables and drinks ready to be used. Not too l...
Post a Comment
Read more

Miss Sparkle Pageant

  This past Saturday, I chose to spend my day volunteering with the Serteen Club at Carrollton High School at the Miss Sparkle Pageant: a pageant that contains the special needs community throughout Carrollton. There are Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, and Miss categories which separate the girls into four groups. Within their group, they are judged by about ten judges and are each crowned and given a flower at the end of the ceremony. However, there will be one winner throughout each category. Sometime during the pageant, each girl is escorted by a male member and given a description of who they are and their interests. This whole day was a huge learning experience on my part, but it is one experience I will never get tired of sharing.  At 12:00 p.m. all of the volunteers arrived to help welcome the girls, sign them in, and hang up their dresses so they could attend the pageant rehearsal. While they rehearsed, volunteers continued their role of welcoming contenders. Afte...
Post a Comment
Read more