It's official. We have reached the halfway point of the Race. Tomorrow, our alumni squad leaders will stay behind, and my squad will move forward on our own. There are a lot of emotion, ranging from anticipation on what this new chapter will look like as well as sadness to see our friends and leaders go. This poem was written to commemorate how far we've come, and everything we are stepping into.

The way hasn't always been easy

We have fallen and scraped our knees,

Bruised the most delicate parts of our skin

Broken bones we thought had already been healed,

Bled until nothing else remained. 

Our tears haven't always been seen

Our cries haven't always been heard,

Our voices have fallen on silent ears

But we are still here.

We are still going.

We are still fighting. 

Pick up your sword and step forward

The victory is set before us.

We are no longer sad stories

Waiting for the joy to shine through,

The joy has already shone through.

Our ashes are no longer ashes

But beauty radiating through the once

Fragmented pieces.

This is our time.

This is our moment.

This is our story.