“Graduation” by Rachel S

            What does graduation mean exactly? For most of us when we think of graduation, we think of finally ending high school, but more importantly, going on to what’s next. It is the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another, much longer one. What happens next as we step into the real world, will shape us and define who we are. It becomes both a very confusing, yet exciting time in our lives.

            Graduation, although not to a few, is terrifying. Many of you may not fully realize the implications of transcending into adults until its right in your face. And it is horrifying. You will be nervous, scared, and almost completely alone. You won’t be given guidance like before, or the charity and doubt that comes with being kids. At times it will feel like the world is crushing down on you but remember, always, that you are a mountain, you cannot be moved. Your roots spread far and you will stand against time.

            Graduation means letting go of your past and setting ahead into your future. In these last few days you will have a choice of letting free any resentment or hate that you may have experienced. Forgiving can be a very mature, respectable, and above all healthy thing to do, especially when you face new and challenging uncertainties. Forgive the people who have wronged you, bullied you, laughed or whatever else. Leave the immature, the negative and the hateful behind, let that anchor go and never let it weigh you down again. Forgive, but do not forget. Remember what has happened, always, and grow from it.

            Graduation means bringing waves and tides of both positive and negative feelings, one of the more negative being regret. Have you ever lain sleepless one night, going over all the silly or embarrassing things you’ve done? It seems to me that this feeling escalates as I grow closer to this ending date and as I look back at my four years. However, all that simply means is that you’ve obviously learned from your mistakes, you’ve grown, you’ve adapted, and you recognize your wrongs, meaning that you’ve become a much better person.

            Graduation, means saying goodbye. You and I, and everyone else will miss something from high school, whether if it was the great friends, the events, anything. As we are handed that sweet, sweet diploma and dawn our gowns we will end our time here, together, but also leave, together. We will (mostly) go our separate ways, develop into our own, separate beings and that will be wonderful.

            Lastly, graduation is, and probably most importantly, about finally being released. No longer will we be in grade school; our parents soon cannot give us a curfew (although it’s probably smart to set on anyways, you know, for college and whatnot.)  We’re like flowers finally being able to bloom; an entire garden in spring. Finally being able to really set our print into society, to truly become an individual. It’ll be an amazing experience, and I’m more than exhilarated to begin.