Well I graduated from high school this past week:) (:P)
My graduation day started out by signing yearbooks and eating food at UCAS and Seminary,
Then slowly the time approached when I would walk across the stage...
Actually, more slowly than you would think:P
The waiting persisted indefinitely until...TADA, I could finally at least sit down...
Then speeches, musical numbers and a lot more waiting.
Each person's name was read, their selected school and major, plus scholarships earned/received.
But you know...while the information was read, I observed each person would just stand awkwardly on the stage while they waited to receive their well deserved high school diploma.
I knew I didn't want to stand there awkwardly so I started to devise a plan.
As my time approached, my heart was pounding as I was raking my brain for something to do.
Unfortunately my time came too quickly and I robotically walked up the steps to the stage.
The lights were shining in my eyes as I looked out to the audience and then...
"Sydney Ward will attend..."
I had to do something different and fast, I thought. I did not want to be awkward and stand there!
Without even thinking about what I was doing, my hand shot up into the air while the other went to my hip and I did the classic hip-arm pose while smiling the smile that was given to me by my parents.
My heart raced as I held my pose for two seconds and I got a few laughs from the audience.
Everything went blank as my cheeks filled with a deep red and I continued across the stage to receive my diploma.
What had I just done?!
Feeling rather embarrassed as I walked past the administration I got a few high fives from my classmates as I returned to my seat, relieved that this moment had finally past.
The procession of 123 students came to an end. It was over.
The senior class president stood in front of us as we all stood and moved our tassels from the right to left...I was in a daze.
Had this really just happened? Had I finally completed the battle of following curriculum to earn a diploma?
I was in awe as I walked to the back of the ballroom to return my stoles and get my *real* diploma.
I saw my parents waving at me from the back as I finished sliding my diploma into its folder.
Pictures were taken, money and gifts were received from family and then I was leaving.
Hours later after a few post-graduation activities, I drove into the UCAS parking lot and into the AC for the last time...ever.
I knew what I had to do: I had to have fun and enjoy every second I could with my classmates, but how could I when I knew it was all over...?
Nevertheless, the activities happened, food was eaten, prizes were won, and people were hurt.
All night turned out to be what felt like a few short hours as high school officially wrapped up.
I will admit I cried. As hard as I tried not to cry, I couldn't resist and tears came in steady streams sliding down my face as reality slapped me in the face.
High school was over and there was nothing I could do about it.
The never ending roller coaster of life had started and the control man started it without my permission.
It was inevitable of course. It always was.
But where had the past 18 years of my life gone?? How did it already come to this?!
The only place to go from here though is forward. Forward into oblivion.
So while the ride is going, you might as well hold on tight to what you got and enjoy it.
Enjoy the wind, enjoy the ups and down, the spins and drops, everything.
Because what else can you do?
