Graduation is without a doubt a very exciting and stressful time. I can remember feeling more than overwhelmed my senior year, with graduation just around the corner. There were so many things to sort out, figure out, and determine. I’m not going to lie: As I walked across the stage to get my diploma, I was terrified. My entire life up until now had been so sorted out and simple. I knew that from this day forward, things weren’t going to be laid out for me. It was up to me to put my ideal future into place, and I was scared to death.
Like most people, I experienced various emotions surrounding the impending date of graduation. I was excited to be done with high school, but at the same time I was also really sad. For the most part, I had enjoyed my high school years. Granted, there were some things I didn’t like. I was fairly quiet, and remained in the background most of the time, but despite that, I was involved in several clubs, enjoyed the academics, and had amazing friends. The thought of leaving it all behind, and starting over in a new place where I didn’t know anyone scared me senseless. I was comfortable with high school; I was in a safe zone. What I soon came to realize, was that in order to find yourself, you have to leave that zone of comfort.
To say that I was nervous the night before move-in day would be an understatement. In all reality, I was a wreck, and I continued to be for the first few days and possibly even weeks following. But slowly, I noticed that something was changing within me. Every time that I met someone new, went to class, or joined a club; I was putting myself out there. With each new experience, I was growing and changing and becoming less afraid, and more of the person I had always known that I could be. Throughout my first year, I became bolder than I had ever been, and I no longer resorted to hiding from who I wanted to be. Ultimately, I was beginning to mold into the person that I was meant to become.
Looking back now, I can smile at the thought of the timid girl crossing the stage in her cap and gown. I can look back and silently reassure her as she cries solemn tears the night before she moves in and struggles to sleep the night before her first college class. Although coming to college was scary for me, it opened so many doors that I didn’t even know existed. I’ve received amazing opportunities that I never would have imagined I would ever get, and I can say without a doubt that I have never been happier.
Recent high school graduates, my message to you is this: it’s okay to be afraid, because this is a huge step in your lifelong journey. It’s also okay to be sad, because the start of college signals the end of many other things. But know that high school is only the beginning, and that by spreading your roots you are opening doors to so many places and things that will bring you nothing but joy. So as you are packing up your stuff the night before move in day, remember that your journey is only beginning, and that the best days have yet to come.
