Last Saturday, I finally graduated from high school. Beyond the feelings of excitement and sadness, there is a great sense of relief. I am now free to pursue what I would like too, and after feeling restricted for a couple of years, I am finally free.

Yesterday was the first day of relaxation that I have had in a long time. I just stayed home all day, and read I book I received as a gift a couple months ago. It was great, I loved it. Not only did I enjoy the book "My Ishmael", but I loved the fact that I could read what I wanted to read, what I chose to read, not what the Federal Government wanted me to read.

The University of Rochester is going to be much different than high school. It's a private university that allows students to learn what they love to learn. You are not forced to take specific classes, but rather take clusters of classes in three different areas. You chose what you would like to pursue.

This summer is going to be excellent. Tomorrow I am leaving for an anti-tobacco industry meeting in Albany, NY. Then I'm going to be in Bermuda for a few days. Then I'll be making my way up to Toronto(can't wait!), and Quebec. And in late August I depart for France.

My best wishes to everyone!