Blog # 16: Graduaion Commencement

The day I finally graduated high school was a complete fuzzy blur. I honestly don’t remember any advice that was given to me. I was so ready to get out of the claustrophobic feeling prison that I tuned out all advice that was given to me that day, if I perhaps was given any at all. My only focus was walking across that stage to pick up my diploma that I worked for my entire life while flakily enjoying the handshake of my former principal that I had no respect for. I tried my hardest not to fall flat on my face while walking in my silver high heels that I wore to prom that year.
The only advice I would have for my younger self is to always follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone step inside your way of forming your future. The day I graduated, everything changed. I was no longer that vulnerable kid that my parents once raised. I was now a beautiful young lady, who now had to take on many responsibilities. Was I ready for this commitment? Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t. Many people who graduate are not exactly ready to grow up. They may be ready to graduate high school and begin their college careers, but the true term of growing up differs from what they might perceive in their mind.
I had to take on many responsibilities once I graduated, and to be honest I don’t think I was exactly ready. My cell phone bill, car payment, gas, rent, and all living expenses relied on me and me only. It was very stressful to take on all those responsibilities all at once, but that is part of growing up and everyone has to go through it. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t ready to give up my youth because I enjoyed having everything paid for. Graduating was a true wake up call for me. I would never want to go back to high school, but it would be nice to have those possessions paid for again. That is a true fantasy though, not reality.
I think I was more excited about moving out of my house and being on my own, being my own person, and being my own boss, rather than truly thinking about how hard it was going to be. The first semester of my college year was extremely stressful. I didn’t know how to manage my time and my money, because that was all done for me while I was living at home.
The true advice I would give to younger kids who are about to graduate high school is, follow your dreams every step of the way, and to always listen to your parents. They know what is best for you even if you don’t completely agree with them. They are meant to guide you for a reason, because they are your parents.