"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you class of" The words all high school graduates look forward to hearing. Like many, I was counting down for most of my senior year of high school in 2015. Even if senior year was a very hectic year with many uncertainties at times, the one thing I knew was that I wanted to graduate and continue on towards college with a photography degree. I knew it would require a lot of hard work and persistence, but it has been my passion since I was little. I know many though get to their graduation and think: "Now what?" Many will continue in college as a major of Undecided until they find what makes them happy while others take a leap year(s) and figure out what makes them happy or to get money saved for the future.

For me, after graduating high school, everything hit almost at once. Moving back to my grandmother's, then having to take her to the hospital due to not being able to move, then learning she has dementia and can't be left unattended. So as well as going to college full-time, I also have to worry about my grandmother not getting hurt or almost lighting the house on fire.

Looking back, I can honestly say that yes, high school can be tough especially with the high school drama. However, I would not have changed a thing. I made some great friends and learned that even if there are some people who you don't get along with, there will be others who are there for you.

Looking back, I remember thinking graduation was the day I was going to love. Finally getting away from people who I did my best to avoid and going to a school to study something I loved. After graduation, I started cutting ties with those who were only try to make me unhappy or try steering me away from my dream of photography. I started sticking to my goals to prove those people wrong. I refuse to let them win. I started working extremely hard to get to where I am today and am graduating in Fall 2017 with the associate's degree in photography.

So my recommendation for those graduating soon or just graduate: Never let the ones who try to hurt you push you away from the thing that makes you happiest. You will always wonder "What if?". Follow your heart