To The Graduating Class of 2017,
Congratulations guys... we did it. We sat in school for about 3,285 days... give or take a few. And you know what we got for it? We got a little piece of paper and a handshake. Now I know what you're thinking... "why doesn't Gabi sound excited that we're finally done with school?" Well, I'll tell you why.
Guess what... WE'RE NOT ACTUALLY DONE WITH SCHOOL. The majority of us are going to follow our 12 years of education with at least 4 more years of education... and did I mention how expensive the next 4 years of education are going to be? I could sell my lungs, kidneys, and diaphragm, and despite the fact that I would be dead... I still would not have enough money to pay for college. That is just sad.
Another reason I am not super excited that we graduated is that personally, I am nowhere near ready to be on my own in the world. I might be 18... legally an adult... but I cannot do anything by myself. I am not sure if I can't do things on myself because of my anxiety or because I rely on my parents to do things for me... yup... privileged suburban kid right here. Apparently that is the title you get when you do not know how to do certain things. I can't call people on the phone... I can't schedule doctor appointments.... I can't pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy... I can't correct a waiter or waitress if they got my bill wrong... I can't cook... hell I can't even sleep without a blanket because monsters will most likely get me. How pathetic is that?! My parents have done everything for me in the past 18 years, and now I am being thrown into the real world... the ADULT world... and am expected to know how to do everything.
And I have another reason to not be excited to graduate. I am going to miss my friends. The majority of my closest friends are going to the same university as me... so I can't complain there... but what about the other friends who are not going to the same school as me? What about the friends who are going to California or Florida? When will I get to see them?
With all of that being said, I do have some reasons to be excited to graduate. For starters, my roommate is so damn incredible. We have so much in common and honestly she's just so amazing. I'm excited to get to live with her.
Another reason I'm excited to graduate is because I will get to decorate my dorm the way I want (with my roommate's permission of course) and my parents can't tell me no. That seems like it could be fun!
Now... here are my final words on this...
Dear Graduating Class of 2018,
Please hold high school dear to your heart. I know that some of you probably hate high school but please try to remember where you come from.
- Spend time with your friends.
If a friend asks you if you want to do something... put your video games down and go hang out with your friend.
- Spend time with your family.
I know that the last thing a high school student wants to do is spend time with there family. How lame is that... right? Wrong. You are going to miss your family, I can promise you that. Go have dinner with your family instead of eating in your room. Watch movies with them. Play board games.
- Leave your home and go out.
Go out. Just be in your hometown for a while. Embrace it. Remember little details about it. Take pictures of things and places you love. You'll miss it in college.
- Don't take high school for granted.
High school is pretty much free. Please don't take it for granted. Make sure you focus on your school work WHILE maintaining relationships with your friends. Learn and obtain good study habits. Spend your money WISELY.
Lastly,
- Embrace the change of graduation.
I struggled to embrace the changes that happened senior year. Learn to love them or your life will just be more difficult. Know when it's time to move on.
Sincerely,
an alumnus
