Since I entered kindergarten, I have been waiting on May 20, 2016: graduation day. I've sat in classes, learned things I only remember half of and taken too many tests to count. It's all counted toward my transition from childhood into adulthood. For the last thirteen years of my life, school has been my number one priority and it will remain that way for the next six. However, I can't leave high school without a proper thank you to the first installment in my life. With that being said, thank you, "kidhood;" and to adulthood, I'm terrified, but let's do this.
I have had many friends from all walks of life. Some were good, some were bad, and some were downright awful, but that didn't mean I didn't learn from each situation. With each new friendship came a lesson I wouldn't forget. I learned to keep my personal life to myself and maybe two other people. I learned to forgive people if and when they treat you poorly. And above all, I learned to appreciate and love your friends. My friends are what make me happy each and every single day. When I remember that I can be myself around my friends, it's a feeling of acceptance and love that cannot be replicated.
I've also learned to accept people and their struggles, because chances are, you'll face similar things soon. My friends all know that I have a no-judgment policy and for a very specific reason. I want all my friends to be able to come to me and share whatever is bothering them, no matter how good or bad. The trust that develops between two friends should trump any secret or circumstance. My closest friends have also adopted this way of thinking, and because of that, we are stronger and closer than any other friendship I have ever had. Thank you for that security, friends.
I've also learned that it is okay not to be perfect. For a long time, I've struggled with accepting failure. It's not that it should be accepted, but it is that if you do fail, know you tried as hard as you could to succeed. My dad reminds me often that if I am secure in the fact I did all I could, then there is no room for sadness. It's a time to celebrate because, despite if I succeeded or not, it's still progress, and that is what's important.
Now, as I get ready to cross the stage and receive my diploma, and head into my college years, I will remember the ups, the downs, the sadness, and the happiness. I will remember that it is okay to fail. I will remember that no matter what, growth is the ultimate goal. I will remember that true friendship is sacred and irreplaceable. I will never forget the many other lessons I learned in the first part of my life.
So, to childhood, thank you. It was fun, but I think you and I are headed different ways. Don't worry, I will always carry you with me, though, in my heart and in my instinct. But for now, farewell.
