The end of another school year is upon us, and that brings another graduation. This will be my eighth as a teacher, and my second with the honor of delivering the commencement address. This is a lot of pressure, I mean, this is high school graduation, it is supposed to be the pinnacle of 13 years of education. What in the world am I supposed to say to these kids?!?!
Do you remember your graduation? Any of them (for those who have graduated multiple times)? I have been blessed to formally graduate 3 times; high school, college, and grad school. Each time was unique, each time marked the end of a long road, each time I wore a funny cap and gown and some sort of nice clothing underneath, and each time I tried to pay attention and soak in the moment. So what do I really remember from my graduations?
Well, I might as well share some photos to go along with my memories.
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| With my Grandma, year 2000. |
High school graduation: It was June 9, 2000. I was in some hideous "gold" cap and gown with all the extra things hanging around my neck. It was really hot, and we were stuck in the gym. I remember showing up at the school, looking for where I was supposed to be standing, and hoping that I didn't do something to draw any attention to myself. I had on white platform heels, I never wore heels. What do I remember? Well, we had three student speakers. They said some good things, I don't remember what, but it was good. I managed to walk across stage, get the correct diploma, and return to my seat. My mom and dad were there, with a few other family members, including one, and only one, of my brothers. My pap was there. He was so proud. My grandma couldn't make it due to recent knee surgery, so we did pics on a different day. I remember how proud my parents were that I had graduated with high honors, but I knew they'd be proud no matter what. Also, I remember there were a lot of girls with the middle names Ann, Lynn, and Marie.
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| College graduation was with my best friends. |
College graduation: It was May 15, 2004. It was so much larger than high school with 600+ people. I got to sit with friends at the baccalaureate, and still knew the people I was with for the actual ceremony. I wore a black cap and gown with a yellow tassel (for the bachelor of science degrees). I really thought I would pay more attention, having enjoyed college so much more than high school. It was emotional. Some guy that was a CEO of some company spoke. Our dear Dean of Students, Nancy P., was given an honorary doctorate. There was a good message, I don't really remember it now. I didn't fall walking up to get my diploma. I managed to walk across the whole stage. I remember seeing my assistant soccer coach on the stage (he was also the Dean of Chapel) and I think he gave me a thumbs up. My parents were there. My brother was there to witness my second graduation. Most importantly, my friends were there. I was so happy, but then I got my last few items from my room, packed up my car, blinked back tears, and drove home.
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| My parents supported me through every graduation! |
Grad school: May 8, 2010. Of all my graduations, I remember this one the least. I really didn't have much connection to the school. After two years of night classes, I was getting my Master's degree. I had a black cap and gown with extra little things on the sleeves (apparently they would fit my cell phone, which I wish I knew before hand). I walked with my fancy hood (which is really a cape) and a card with my name and degree. I sat with a few people that I had met in multiple classes. We sat and listened. Stood when we had to, walked up, handed them our card so they would get our name right, handed off our hood and then stooped so they could get it around our neck. I managed to walk across the stage without falling (3 for 3) and sat back down. What I remember was the look on my parents face as I left the stage. They were so proud I had accomplished what I set out to do.
So what do I say to these graduates? Well, I've got it written down, I'm not going to spoil it for you. I will say to all kids who are looking forward to a graduation: enjoy the day, you might not remember it in 14, 10, or even 4 years, but you will remember it then and for the next few days, weeks, or months. This might be your day, but it also belongs to all the people who helped you along the way, so let them enjoy the day too, even if it means posing for a million pictures, wearing a silly cap and gown longer than you'd like, smiling a lot, speaking to people you don't know, and doing a lot of hugging.
Congratulations Class of 2014! I have been blessed to teach some of you, thank you!
Keep it real friends,
