Dear High School Graduate,
After years of anticipation, the day has finally arrived. Today you are graduating from high school. This is a big day and you should be very proud of yourself and all that you have accomplished. Years of hard work and sacrifice have finally paid off and led you to the finish line. As you prepare for tonight and put on your cap and gown, I want you to keep some things in mind.
First, know that tonight is your night. This ceremony is about you and your own personal journey as well as the journey your class has taken together over the past four years. Despite whether you feel this way or not, graduating from high school is a big deal. It is the end of one chapter of your life and the marking of the start of a new one. There is much to celebrate.
Second, keep in mind that tonight means a lot to your parents. They have probably been thinking about this day from before you could even talk or walk. Let them be proud of you and be excited. Allow them to take some photos of you tonight even though you hate taking pictures and have a million and one other things that you would rather be doing. Somewhere down the line, you will be happy that you have some pictures of this day even if they are a little blurry and out of focus because your mom was choked up while she was taking them.
Third, spend some time talking with your friends before the ceremony. Everyone will be in their cap and gowns all dressed up and ready to go. All of you are just as nervous and excited even if you don't show it. Now is a good time to be relaxed. Take some pictures and reminisce about the best memories you have together. Look out for one another and check to make sure caps are straight and secure and that fashion mishaps won't make an appearance during the ceremony. Everyone should look their best and enjoy themselves instead of worrying about whether or not their cap is too far back.
Fourth, know that it is ok to have mixed feelings about tonight. School is different for everyone so some people may be more sad and sentimental while others may be more relieved and ecstatic that it's over.
Fifth, a lot of the teachers will be present at your graduation. Many of them will also be in a cap and gown and will walk across the field just like you. Tonight will be the last time that you will see the teacher or teachers who have made a difference in your life. Maybe they inspired you to pursue a certain career, or were there for you when you needed someone to talk to, or just made the school day bearable. Make sure you say goodbye to them one last time. Let them know that they impacted you in some way. Your kind words may make a difference in their life.
Sixth, enjoy. Enjoy the night and all that it represents for you. Revel in the feeling that you get when you throw your cap up in the air with the rest of your friends and classmates.
As you look in the mirror and see yourself in your cap and gown for the first time, take a moment to think about the past four years. Think about all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Think about all of the small moments that stand out to you and make you smile. Now, look at yourself and be proud. Be proud of yourself and where you are at this point in time. Hold your head high and have a great time at graduation. Best of luck, Class of 2016!
From,
A former High School Graduate
