Letter to Mentor

May 10, 2011

Dear Mr. Shorts,

     From day to day you inspire students across the campus. You have the unique ability to control a room with your heart and connect directly with each individual, no matter how different we all may be. There is a sense of home that constantly engulfs you which spreads into the smiles plastered on everyone’s face around you. You never fail to make laughter fill a room and you always know just what to say to make all the bad feelings go away.

     And for all of this I am thankful to have had you as a teacher as well as a director. Our journey began when I was just a freshman; you casted me as the Sarcastic Bystander in Pygmalion, I guess you’re a really good judge of character too, but you really helped me see my true self for the first time as you took me under your wing and lead me into your Drama II class my sophomore year. My sophomore year is where you helped me grow the most, you were the only person who could make the tears stop and my heart calm, you made me stronger as you carried me into your third period my junior year. My junior year is where we had our laughs and sandwiches while discussing topics most wouldn’t understand but it was nice to know I had someone who would be there for me as I headed into my senior year. Now here we are, in my senior year and we still visit from time to time though I wish it were more, and I am constantly reminded of you every time I see a mini coke can or make a sandwich and I can’t help but be thankful for the four years I have had you in my life.

     Mr. Shorts, you have taught me more about life than anyone I know. You have impacted my life beyond the stage and you taught me how to live outside the spotlight. You have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I know that with everything you have taught me I will be able to push myself to get through college and go far in life. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Keana Marin

50 Facts About Keana

1. Jacci Bree Enriquez has been my best friend since three years old

2. My mom is my best friend

3. I’m currently in love with Fernando Ojeda

4. I have 4 tattoos that hold deep meaning to me

5. I am obsessed with owls

6. My older brother is a father figure to me

7. My favorite book is The Great Gatsby

8. My nephew Caleb James is the light of my life

9. Brand New is my favorite band because of Jesse Lacey’s lyrics

10. I want to be a writer

11. I have two jobs- PacSun & It’s A Grind

12. I got accepted to London University

13. My brother taught me how to surf

14. Feathers make me feel calm

15. I call Tori Hernandez my sister

16. I am a fanboy- Star Wars

17. The Buried Life inspired me to pursue my dreams

18. I call Jacci’s parents Mom & Dad

19. I idolize James Franco & Lady Gaga

20. I am planning to attend CSULA

21. I prefer to ride my bike to driving my car

22. Henry D. Thoreau speaks my heart

23. I use big words often- cantankerous is my favorite word

24. I am way to optimistic

25. My nickname is Baby Bird

26. I feel like Liz Lee is my twin separated at birth

27. I am infatuated with Drake and Rob Pattinson

28. I love when ‘Dad’ takes Jacci & me to In-N-Out

29. I don’t watch TV but when I do it is usually Glee, Criminal Minds, or History Channel

30. Some of my favorite movies are- Donnie Darko, Water for Elephants, Fight Club, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Cat Fish, & Away We Go

31. I go to Mexico & Lake Havasu often

32. I want to go to New York more

33. To me, Anthony Green is God

34. My 1st Valentine’s Day consisted of Sonic & Fight Club

35. I have family in Texas

36. I want to hike around Catalina

37. I love drawing/painting in my spare time

38. I’m really into fashion

39. I love playing acoustic guitar while drinking Chai tea

40. I am afraid of hair that isn’t attached to anything

41. I finished the Twilight Saga in less than a week

42. I drive a ’05 lime green Mustang named Einstein

43. I work with my best friend Alisha

44. I love wearing red lipstick

45. I cry anytime I hear “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” or “Tiny Bubbles”

46. I am OCD about time & planning but I love spontaneity

47. Finding Nemo will always remind me of someone I lost

48. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John makes every situation better

49. The #1 thing on my Bucket List is to publish a novel  

50. My favorite saying is, “There’s no limit to what you can dream. You expect the unexpected, you believe in magic, in fairy tales, and in possibilities. Then you grow older and that innocence is shattered and somewhere along the way the reality of life gets in the way and you’re hit by the realization that you can’t be all you wanted to be, you just might have to settle for a little bit less.” — Rosie Dunne

Graduation

Life changes so fast. Sometimes you think you have a part of your life planned out with maybe an event or a person. But then you wake up the next day and something blocks that event or that person leaves your life. Throughout high school, everyone goes through trials and tribulations. Thats what being a kid is all about. Some of us make decisions we know we wont regret. But for the most of us, high school is filled with broken promises and regrets. But do we choose to stand tall or do we fold? Never give up. Don't use any excuse such as age, financial situation, or GPA. As long as you want something bad enough and are willing to fight for it, don't give in; whether it be about school or even love. As high school comes to a close, uncertainty now runs rampant. With less than 20 days left of my high school career, the nerves begin to rise. You will recognize your true friends as the ones who you stay in contact with as we all go our separate ways no matter the distance. Those are the ones who will be there forever. I thank everyone whos come into life. God put them there for a reason. In about 3 weeks my life is about to be flipped upside down in the blink of an eye. I vow to live my life from here on out with no regrets. I will never give up in anything and will forever try my hardest in all my endeavors. Im prepared for the biggest event of my life: graduation