Dear Class of 2018 Graduate,

You did it. What more can I say? You have worked diligently and tackled the countless trials and tribulations that go along with the monster that is high school. You stayed up late and studied hard. You blew off responsibilities to catch the premier of a movie or play that newly released game.

You got grades that made you beam with pride and got grades that you wadded up and basketball-shot into the nearest trashcan. Don’t lie, you now it’s true… But fret not, we all did. It comes with the territory of high school.

You made countless friends and even lost a few along the way. You made mistakes, but you learned from them. You discovered pieces of yourself you hadn’t known existed before. You grew. That is something to be proud of.

You have come so far, Graduate. From your first day of school so many years ago, this is the day that in one way or another, you were working for. This is the end-all day you were heading towards. You have arrived. You have done it, and you have grown so much along the way.

You have met people that will forever leave a handprint on your heart. You have met people that shaped the very person you are today. You have also met people that gave you a vivid example of what you didn’t want to become. Keep those with you. Keep it all with you. They are valuable influences and are – in a way of their own – one of the most important pieces of yourself.

You are a masterpiece, and everyone in your life – your parents, friends, teachers, cousins, peers, even your weird Uncle Ted – had a hand in sculpting out and creating you. You are amazing.

But fret not, your masterpiece is nowhere near complete. This is only the beginning. Your cap and gown not only signify the end of an era, but also ring in the beginning of something new. Whatever your future has in store for you, whatever path you choose to take, it begins the moment you throw your cap into the air and give a final huzzah with your peers. You are no longer a high school student. You are a graduate heading off to face the world. You leave behind the creature comforts of the building and teachers you have known for years. You leave behind the easy life to move forward into something unfamiliar and maybe even a bit scary. I promise, you are beckoning in some of the most exciting times of your life. Fear is only part of the whole. Besides, what fun is something if it doesn’t scare you a little bit?

Change is abundant in this time, so be prepared. I speak from experiences. Don’t worry yourself sick. Change is often for the better,even if it does not feel that way. Yes, you will lose friends as the distance between time and space grows, but you will also gain them. Your ideologies may shift and your personality will grow even further, but you are only learning more about yourself when this happens. You will find what you love and, perhaps, even who you love. You will be given countless opportunities to explore the world around you. Take advantage of them. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

The ache of 'What do I do now?' that I know you are feeling will fade. I promise. High school was a huge part of your life, and it is over. You may feel confused and frightened, but I promise it will fade. It may take days, weeks, or even months. But high school was only a chapter of your book of life. You have countless adventures to partake in, places to see, and people to meet. You are moving forward on the march of life.

So, Congratulations Graduate. You did it. But there is still so much more to be done.

Love,

Someone Very Proud of You