“Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pressure.” Brene Brown
A few days ago, I found myself in an unfamiliar situation. It was Sunday night, and my family had just finished dinner. As any Enloe student may agree, Sunday’s are the key to success for the week ahead. The first thing I always do is scroll through my contacts and find that one trustworthy friend; and pop the question, “Is tomorrow an A or a B day?” After that, I struggle to simultaneously review my AP World History notes and watch the newest episode of Brooklyn 99. While this was a typical Sunday night for me, something was missing. There is no brawl between me and my brother Dakota regarding who eats healthier, although may I say things are getting closer than I expected (Moe’s closed for good last week). There is no passive-aggressive comment from my sister Lyndsey, who is indirectly trying to imply that she eats healthier than all of us. You’re off in Chapel Hill now; doing God knows what, and while I am saddened by the remembrance of these dinners, I wanted to take a minute to thank you, for everything.
So Jake, even if you are only thirty minutes away, I encourage you to pull up this post, ask Tim (politely) to make you a “late plate”, and enjoy.
Dear Jake,
Thank you for teaching what it means to vulnerable
Throughout your time at Enloe, I have witnessed the ups, the downs, and just about everything in between regarding your high school experience. While you grew as a person tremendously over the course of those four years, there was one thing, one passion that stayed with you till the end, your love for Enloe Charity Ball. You have taught me that it is okay to open up my heart to something that gives me purpose, and that is something I will hold onto forever. Seeing the looks on the kids’ faces at Southeast Raleigh Elementary School as I walk in to volunteer is what fills my heart with purpose. On the night of December 7th; when all is said and done, knowing that I gave my all to Southeast Raleigh Promise and their mission is what will fill my heart purpose.
No matter the Outcome, always finish what you have started. No regrets.
One of the things I admire most about you is your work ethic, and your willingness to fail. Not too long ago, I was at a point in my life where I was afraid to fail. I didn’t want the world to know that I tried something, that I had cared about something, and wasn’t successful at first. Through my work with Enloe Charity Ball, I have realized the importance of finishing what you have started. Trust me when I say this, It will not be easy. But from now until December 7th, I am going to give everything I have to the kids of Southeast Raleigh. I am going to put every ounce of energy in my body into fulfilling our promise. I will finish what I started, with not an ounce of me looking back.
Thank you for showing me what kind of an impact we all can make within our community
Enloe Charity Ball is not something that every ordinary high school can achieve. The reason ECB works is because of the love, the passion, and the determination we all cohesively share to better our Raleigh community. We made a promise to SERP in August. We promised them a check with $200,000 made out to their organization. But the work we have done and continue to do is far greater than any quantity of money. The love and passion I have for Enloe Charity Ball can not be attained by an amount of money on a check. Working with SERP has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help them on their mission to end intergenerational poverty.
Thank you, Jake, for everything.
Jesse Gordon
Sophomore Class Senator
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