Hello Wizards, I hope you are enjoying our new November issue so far!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Elizabeth Alvarado, I’m a senior, and yes, I am the girl who magically popped up back at school in November. You may be asking yourself, she was gone? Yes I was, but I am back full-time now. Let’s rewind the time a bit to clear any misunderstandings as to why I was absent.

On our way home from going out to eat, my family and I were involved in a car crash on September 9 where we were t-boned. I fractured so many bones, I lost count. Being in the hospital for two weeks made the surrounding walls feel like a prison, serving as the only barrier between me and the outside world. My days consisted of x-rays at four in the morning, blood transfusions, surgery, and of course, hospital food.

When I discharged, it was hard adjusting to the simple things I used to do, like getting up from my bed, washing my face, and eating. I had a few days to pull myself together before my father’s funeral. That was the hardest and longest day of my life. I was happy to see so many familiar faces, including some staff and my three best friends who were there for me at my worst and celebrated at my best. You know who you are, I love you.

I’ve had some time to reflect on my life and my situation. I learned pain and hurt is only temporary, and I shouldn’t pressure myself to do something I can’t do at the moment. In my father’s wise words, there is a time for everything under the sun. I know that he is in a better place smiling down on me from above. The memories we spent together will always be tattooed on my mind; it has given me peace that his legacy lives on. But life goes on, hence a new chapter in my life.
Something that has kept me grounded in this new chapter in my life is cherishing those who are in my life now. It’s easy to get carried away to our worries and sorrows, but if we learn to count our blessings, we realize we’re so blessed to be alive. Remember to appreciate the little things in life we often take for granted: the sunset, quirky jokes, and clean water! In the wise words of Dr Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” And now I smile everyday, because I had the privilege of having the best father in the world and sharing so many moments with him. You should do the same!

I want to thank everybody who sent uplifting messages my way: teachers, counselors, students, and my family. To those who have gone out of their way to help my family and I, God bless you. May we live on, because pain is only temporary.

With love,
Elizabeth Alvarado