For 12 years now you’ve been waiting for this time to come. As senior year began in the fall, you and your friends made lists of plans in attempt to make the best of your last year in high school. It was the beginning of many endings and you’ve finally reached the last: you’ve walked across the stage and graduated.
Looking back, you’ll reminisce on the memories you’ve created in the last 12 years: letter people in your first couple years, field days and all the random parties you had instead of class during middle school, the embarrassing junior high days and of course all of your high school memories. You’ll remember all of your homecoming weeks and the crazy outfits you wore. You’ll think of all the sporting events you went to and how weird it will be to see others in those jerseys in the years coming. You’ll walk through the gym or drive by the field and think of all the time you spent dedicating your time, blood, sweat and tears to a sport over the last 4 years. You’ll regret not taking advantage of every opportunity when it was given to you because you finally realize that it’s done.
While your primary education is over, the rest of your life is just beginning. If you’re anything like me, you’re excited to get out and start somewhere new with new people and new experiences, but there’s also those who are scared of the unknown. We are all slightly scared of change. We’re scared of what will happen and if we’ll actually reach our goals. But you can’t let that stand in your way of chasing your dreams. Have faith. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Most of you are headed off to college, which is completely what you choose to make of it. Some of you know what you want to do with your future, some of you don’t and that’s more than okay. You’ll meet people who become your family, you’ll experience things you never would have at home and you’ll find out what your ambitions are for yourself. You’ll create a thousand new memories, but never forget what you’re there to do: chase your dreams and achieve your goals.
There are so many opportunities out there for you, but with opportunities come obstacles as well. Things will get hard and you’ll want to walk away, but never doubt your abilities. Never give up hope, because Winnie the Pooh was right: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
The one thing I want you to always remember is to be happy with what you do. No matter where you go in life or what road you choose to travel, I hope you find happiness with it. Today is just the start. So live it to the fullest, step outside your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to make a change in this world.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
