I remember the day of my high school graduation so vividly, and it's crazy to me that's it's almost been a year since that day. I started the day off by breaking a bracket off of my braces, so I was already a little bit of a mess. I did my makeup to the nines, put on my new, white dress and a gorgeous pair of heels and set off.
From riding in a school bus for the last time to watching the kids I've grown up with walk across that stage, to the million hugs I gave out after all was said and done, it felt as though the night flew by — I blinked, and just like that, it was over.
Twelve years of my life spent hurtling towards that moment and it was finally, finally over.
And once the rush faded and I actually had a moment to sit down and actually take it all in, I was scared. Excited, sure, and most definitely relieved, but scared nonetheless. It's terrifying to not know what the future holds, especially when the last 12 years of your life have been mostly predictable. High school is comfortable; it's what you have been immersed in for the last four years.
You know what to expect from it for the most part.
You already have an established group of friends, activities you spend your time doing, and a routine you're accustomed to.
Stripping all of that way, even when you spend the entirety of your school years knowing that it'll happen, can seem a little devastating when it at last rolls around.
Change is hard for most people, and this is one of those moments where you feel trapped by what you know and what you've yet to find out.
So I spent the next few months in this weird position. Immediately after commencement, nothing dramatic really changed in my life immediately. Everything felt the same for the most part and all I had was time to think about the future while I stayed comfortable in the life I'd always known.
Then, my first year of college rolled around, and I was excited but so very scared all at once. I knew it was something I had to do, and even something I wanted to do, but to actually face it? Terrifying.
Looking back on it now, I know I had nothing to worry about. I came to college, found my bearings after awhile, and don't miss the comfortability of high school whatsoever. And, whatever you do with your life after high school, you will, too. The scared feeling WILL go away. Just trust in yourself, live the best life you can manage, and try not to shy away from change.
It's scary, but a lot of the time it's necessary, too.
Take a lot of deep breaths and try not to worry so much. Enjoy yourself! Appreciate the time you have left at home if you're going away. Don't shy away from opportunities because at first, they seem scary, and don't let the unknown future make you not take any chances--you'll miss out on too much.
Don't be afraid, newly-minted graduate. I made it out OK, and so will you.
