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Graduation from High School
Life is made up of different stages. The end of one stage marks the beginning of another, more difficult stage. The educational stage, particularly graduating from high school has been the most memorable stage for me. It was a combination of excitement to complete high school, nostalgia, fear and uneasiness about the next stage in life. Even though it was marked by a glorious send-off and wild celebrations, the question of where I would proceed from here engulfed me with a strong tinge of sadness. The significance of graduation arose from my understanding that a dawn of a new era had come where I would live a life of independence, meaning that henceforth, I would always be individually responsible for my actions and decisions.
At the outset, graduation was initially characterized by an idea of freedom from parental supervision. With time, it dawned on me that freedom eliminated the initial sense of security that I had always received within the context of my family. The ensuing changes suddenly gained a different meaning. They meant that I had to begin making life decisions that were supposed to affect my life every step of the way. Additionally, they revealed some harsh truths about the world against which I had always been protected.
From that point, I realized that going to college was the next logical stage in life, though some of my friends prioritized work over higher education. While in college, I had to make tough decisions including choosing a major that would steer me towards my chosen career. Most of my friends have identified this choice as the hardest that they have had to make as young adults. Some have confessed to never being fully satisfied with their choices. The external pressure added by family and societal expectations only works to worsen the situation. The choice was characterized by plenty of research, consultation, and deep self-analysis. Nevertheless, confusion, fear and ambivalence remained a persistent challenge.
As I reflect on my high school graduation day, I remember wearing gowns and caps, receiving gifts and cards, taking photographs, and getting surrounded by overjoyed relatives. Undeniably, a high school certificate is a mandatory and basic mark of education. Moreover, it is a prerequisite to remaining intellectual and professionally relevant in the present world. For me, though, graduating meant saying goodbye to friends or acquaintances, some of whom I would never meet again. The suspense and expectation over what would become of us was everywhere. Some spoke with conviction about their future plans while others seemed undecided. At the end of it all, people began to leave alone or in small groups, perhaps foreshadowing entry into the next stages of college and career.
From this reflection, I consider graduating from high school is a multidimensional experience. It brings into perspective the period prior to graduation, the graduation day itself, and the life stages afterwards. Complete awareness of all these aspects was important in my understanding of the role this particular stage would play in my life. It provided me with insights into the next stage and the tough decisions that awaited. I think everyone can relate to this stage because it easily marks one’s most defining moment in life. It gave me an opportunity to start practicing how to be responsible and independent, and focused. It toughened me, improved my perseverance, and enhanced decision making abilities. Consequently, I am able to take charge of my life in the pursuit of the opportunities the world has to offer.
