This time last year, all I wanted was to graduate from the United States of America.​​

It’s not that I didn't like it here in the USA—it’s just that “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson was on repeat, and I dreamed of getting acceptedhired into a collegejob literally anywhere else. I wanted to apply what I'd learned to the Real World Out There!

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So I made up my own senior year with self-assigned "classes," volunteering, field trips, and graduation. The project commemorated the 10th anniversary of my high school graduation, while also functioning as my practice creative lab for Jackson County Public Health's 100th anniversary campaign. As fall semester turned to spring, I rekindled an appreciation for this country and a belief that we can still make it something new. I want to share an opportunity for rediscovery with you, too.

My Senior Year of the United States is a free downloadable project kit for DIYing your own senior year, including: blank worksheets for leading an independent study and writing graduation speeches, a calendar template for logging volunteer hours and field trips, a yearbook page, and links to inspiration for your assignments.​​​​​​

In the spring, you'll submit your final project and graduation speech to MSYUSA.com for inclusion in a graduation show.​​ We're stronger together when our individuality shines together.