Dear Graduate,
First of all, congratulations! You have survived high school, perhaps the most confusing and bizarre, four years of your life. You feel so many emotions in these first few days of freedom. Everything in your life is changing at a startling rate.
You feel elation. Guess what? You'll never be forced to darken the door of your high school again. Gone are the days of sitting Mrs. Smith's AP English IV class, carrying a packed lunch that you'll have completely eaten by second period, and rolling out of bed at an ungodly hour so you won't miss the 8:30 tardy bell. You are no longer a student at (...) High School.
You feel independent. When you turn that tassel, you're not only ending your high school career, you're ending your childhood. This summer, you may begin your first REAL job, or you may be preparing to enter college in the fall. Either way, you're starting out on your own for the first time. Your parents/guardian are no longer responsible for the decisions you make. It's all up to you. You have been give the ability to create your own path.
You feel a little sad. You never thought you'd say this, but there are a few things you'll miss about high school. You'll miss that one, special teacher who has always been there to support you and give helpful advice and encouragement. You'll miss seeing the same group of friends everyday. You'll miss the routine, always knowing what to expect when you enter the classroom.
You feel a little unsure of yourself. If you're attending college in the fall, you question yourself: Is this the college for you? Can you preform academically? Are you going to flunk out after the first semester? Will you meet any friends? Or will you be a doomed, social outcast? Breathe. Everything will work out as it should. It is important to remember that you are in control, and more importantly, God is. Sure, it's okay to be a little nervous. BUT always remember that worrying never changes the outcome and most of the time, we worry over nothing.
You feel hopeful. The whole world is ahead of you. You have the chance to build a wonderful life for yourself and make your dreams a reality. Never sell yourself short, challenge and change are good things.
So, Graduate, go out a do great things. Make your Mama proud. Make yourself proud. The future is in your hands.
