It's the moment we all anticipate. It's the FIRST big adult milestone we all endure.
We all remember the day of our high school commencement as the first time we felt like a true, grown up. I was so excited for the occasion I laid out my gown and chords weeks prior to the real date. I even invested in another graduation cap to decorate because we were not allowed to decorate our own.
AND On top of that, I even made my own snapchat filter.
The ceremony itself was the true highlight of the day. All of our friends, families, and extended families stood in the crowds to support us as we sat amongst our peers awaiting the moment we could turn our tassels to the left and flip our hats in celebration of all the hard work that had finally paid off.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 was the day I graduated out of high school. It is still hard to believe that it's all over. The thirteen long, tiresome years leading up to the special ceremony were ones I will always remember fondly. Family from all over the east coast came down to Charlotte, NC to see me walk across the stage of Bojangle's Coliseum. And although I was in the midst of 889 other graduates, when I heard my name called I felt the moment being mine as I strutted across the stage like Bey to accept my diploma.
.
I thought about all of my high school experiences, both good and bad. I reminisced on my first homecoming game, rushing to class after hearing the infamous "minute bell", my sweet 16 party, all the DECA trips where my partner Paulina and I dominated, becoming the "weather girl" for our school's morning news station, and producing a part of Mallard Creek history with my documentary about our three-time back to back state championship winning football team, #CreekBoys. All of the complaints I had about not being liked by everyone, waking up for 7 AM classes, and the funny looking cafeteria food even too became thoughts that I was a little happy to reflect on. Listening to the valedictorian and salutatorian give their speeches, receiving my diploma, listening to my principal's closing remarks, and officially departing from the class of 2016 was a truly bittersweet experience. The feeling of excitement amongst us all finally sunk in as we realized that although the past four years shaped us into who we are, the best years of our lives are now ahead of us.
I remember walking out into the dry, HOT, parking lot anxiously looking to find my family while stopping to hug and take pictures with all my friends I have grown with through the course of the past four years. My father, being 6'8 feet tall, was obviously the first actual family member I spotted. I saw the happiness across his face and then I saw my mom's; the look of two proud parents.
Family is who reminds you "why" you do all that you do and "who" you do it for. I am so grateful for my family being there supporting and backing me up every step of the way. I've realized that in life it is never us by ourselves that get us to where we are. It is important to recognize and appreciate those that pour into your life whether its financially, words of encouragement, or simply being there as the shoulder we all at one point in time need.
To conclude my reflection, I want to say that I am extremely excited for my future and that this-prayerfully-will not be my last graduation as I embark on my next four year journey at the number one HBCU in the US, Spelman College. And shout out to all the graduates out there; we are the future lawyers, doctors, entertainers, and entrepreneurs of the next generation.
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
