A Letter To My Longtime Friends XV: Thirteen Years Of Nostalgia

Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Brethren,

This is your friend and brother Vic coming to you with another article and with an annual remembrance of our special moment what happened 13 years ago. On May 27, 2006, we were gathered together as one. We walked together in two straight lines. It was a glorious moment for me. So at this time, take some time out, and reflect on this nostalgic time. Let me go ahead and “roll the clip…”

On May 26, 2006, each of us traveled to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to practice our graduation ritual. The atmosphere of the church inside was very appealing. Bishop Eddie L. Long (now deceased) was generous and kind to allow us to use his church building for our graduation ceremony. He was a very nice guy. During the practice, we were given index cards with names and number written on them individually; we were to “sit on them,” in that way, it would help us to memorize the seat we were assigned to numerically and alphabetically: So it was needful for them to sequence us. By the time when rehearsal was over, we went our way.

When May the 27^th finally came, my brother and I rose from sleep (both of us were graduating together), I took a quick shower (so did he), we got dressed, we grabbed our caps and gowns, we got in the car, and off we went! We finally made our way to the church; we got out of the car, and we paced to the church, and as we made paces, we spotted some of you. The 2006’s “Wills & Testaments” were brought up, especially the one which I wrote. The line I wrote therein was “Thanks to my friends, my family, and my fellow upperclassmen of 2006. Even my enemies and the haters of jealousy. I still love y’all, no matter what.” I will explain the reason behind it later in this article…

As we entered into the building, we first went inside this room which resembles a large classroom and a small congregational church. Inside this room, we received our stoles to put on. Since we were exceedingly overjoyed, we were told that we could “get it out of our systems,” so we made joyful noises with cheerful spirits blended in. We then lined up to this door on the other side of the room which leads to the outside thereof, and a cement pathway which leads to another entrance back into the church building, but through another way. We lined up in two straight lines in alphabetical order. My mom was so happy for us, that she wanted to take a picture of me and my brother. She was sort of already taking pictures of the movement as we move slowly to the sanctuary until the ceremony began…

Once the graduation ceremony began as a processional, we walked together in two rows for the last time. The music selection “Pomp and Circumstance” was playing as we walked to the choir stand; once we all got there, we were given the signal to be seated at the same time on cue, so we did. We said the pledge to the flag, valedictorian speeches were made, and our high school principal spoke to the people. We sung our Alma Mater “Saints Forever,” and we sung a Gospel selection “I Am Here” written by Donald Lawrence. After the music, our names were called so we could receive our diploma cases, and a handshake from our principal. Later, we celebrated with happiness by tossing our caps in the air! Thankfully, I caught mine back. And when it was over, we did a recessional: we walked together to the lobby, and out of the building.

Outside of the church afterwards, we were exceedingly glad that we made it real smooth. Our hearts were filled with joy. At this time, we were congratulated by family and friends, even from each other. Pictures were taken, hands were extended for handshakes, hugs were given, and more autographs were exchanged. We were gathered together until we parted ways. Overall, I thought it was awesome. As a matter of fact, it was the proudest day of my life!

I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this letter I wrote. As usual, don’t back down for anyone. Stay on top of your game everyday. I wish you Peace, Joy, Tranquility, Serenity, and Many Blessings from God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, and in communion of the Holy Ghost. In Jesus’ name,

Much Agape Love & Cordially Yours,
Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick)

P.S. As I mentioned earlier about my last Will and Testament in our 2005-2006 high school yearbook, I said a little note to my enemies and my “haters of jealousy.” But when I said that, I meant it out of Love. Having said that, I love people, regardless of what condition. It also means for me to ignore the naysayers. I first did a rough draft of my Will & Testament in the Summer of 2005: I revised it a few times, and then, there you have it! One more thing, I Love You, and there is nothing you can do about it!

Real Hopes of My Future [part four]: School Updates and Testing Battles

Greetings brothers and sisters, this is Vic coming to you with another article with an update on how I’m doing. It has been a while since I’ve updated you all: yea, it has been since July of 2017. Before that time and long before the, it was all talk and no action. I was pretty much waiting for things to come my way, but I wasn’t accomplishing a thing. Anyway, allow me to take you halfway on the journey with me…

On April 23, 2019, I traveled to Georgia Piedmont Technical College to take the GED Social Studies Test. As I made my way to the designated area, I began to pray that I would score well on the test. So I went inside, took the elevator to the ground floor, and walked down the hallway to the Assessment Office. I clocked in, showed my identification card, took a face picture for profile, and I emptied my pockets and placed my belongings in a locker because things inside your pockets can make noises. When it was time for me to take the test, I went inside the room with computers, and began my test. I answered every question. When I had finished, I clocked out with my ID. I told the lady who was in charge that I was a little nervous about my results, she told me to “Think Positive.” I caught the bus to my grandparents’ house for a moment. An hour and a half later, I went back on the bus to go to school. As I was seated during the ride, I received an e-mail alert from myGED.com about my score. I began to pray, “Lord, please let this be a passing grade.” It took me to the site, and when I opened it with determination, it said that I scored a 148! One must score a 145 or higher. I released my breath and said, Thank You, Jesus!”

Two days later on Thursday, April 25, 2019, I went through the same process. This time, it was Language Arts. I answered every question. I even completed the essay. I took a 10-minute break, and then I resumed testing. Again, when I had finished my test before time was up, I clocked out. I followed the procedures. I walked out of the building to wait for the bus to take me to the train station, and then catch the bus to the church where I go to class at. As I was waiting for the bus, I received an e-mail alert from myGED.com. I prayed that it’d be a higher score as I was opening it. And guess what, I scored a 146! Once again, I praised Jesus Christ for it! Because back in March, I took the Language Arts test, and I scored a 143. I was so close! Thankfully, one of my GED representatives decided to reschedule it for me. He even paid for it for me. God works in mysterious ways!

I knocked out two exams. That means “two down, two more to go.” I just started Science class, and I’m still in the middle of Mathematical Reasoning. You already know the story of me having graduated from high school on May 27, 2006, and received a Special Ed. Diploma: Colleges usually don’t accept those unless one obtains a GED. I am currently working on it. It’s not going to be easy, but I have faith, and by faith, I will conquer these obstacle courses! The Lord is with me. If I fail, I will do it again until I make it. THAT is how a winner with perseverance does.

Think of it as baseball: back in 2017, I was “up to bat” by getting up and going to the place to get set up, and am currently getting it done. Obtaining a GED is “First Base,” so I am currently at First Base. When I’m done, I’ll run to “Second Base” by attending a 2-year community college for an Associates’ degree, move to “Third Base by attending a 4-year university of my choice for a Bachelor’s Degree, and Run Home!

Thank you all for listening to me. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I accomplish these goals. God bless you all!

Bro. Vick