A Graduation Story

I have heard so many graduation stories in my lifetime. But one of the most unforgettable ones happened to a friend years ago.

This story keeps coming back to me in the month of March when children graduate from grade school. May I share it with you?

* * *

Nelda (not her real name) is a very successful business woman today—and a very generous one, too. She is often donating to schools whatever equipment they need.

But long ago, when she was a little girl, she went through what she calls, “My most unforgettable white experience.”

* * *

She had very hardworking parents, whom she loved very much. But there came a time when her father, who was the bread winner, became very ill and therefore couldn't work anymore. He needed a lot of care in bed and a lot of money for his medication.

As a family, they had to make both ends meet from her mom's occasional job of washing other people's clothes.

* * *

It was always difficult to cope with their problems and spend for their daily needs, especially because Nelda (in 6th grade) and her younger brother (in 4th grade) had some expenses in school.

It was even more difficult when Nelda was told she was graduating in the top ten of her class.

* * *

She would have wanted to skip the graduation ceremonies because she had nothing to wear (the required outfit was white dress and white shoes). But her mother urged her, “Graduation is a very important event. I will try to borrow a dress and shoes for you.”

Nelda's mom then went around, asking her friends if they could lend Nelda a white dress and white shoes. But all she could borrow was a white dress, no white shoes.

* * *

The dress was too small—really tight and very short! “That was before mini skirts were in fashion,” Nelda said, laughing.

Her father had this bright idea of just painting over Nelda's old black school shoes. “And so my mom painted over the shoes with left-over paint from our neighbor, and it came out really nice and white,” Nelda said.

* * *

 “I was very conscious of my looks when I saw my classmates all dolled up, so pretty in their white outfits.” Nelda recalled. “I imagined everyone laughing behind my back.”

During the graduation ceremonies in the school ground, it rained. Not very hard, but enough to wet Nelda's shoes. And guess what? The white paint dripped and the shoes turned into their original black color!

* * *

 “Oh, was I embarrassed!” Nelda narrated, “especially when I went up the stage!”

But my father and mother said, “There is nothing to be ashamed of, Nelda. There is everything to be proud of! Thank the Lord that you've been able to graduate in the top 10 of your class and you're on your way to high school.”

* * *

As you prepare your graduation outfits, think about Nelda's story. May it remind you that a dress and shoes are not what success is all about. Success is about making the most of what you have been blessed with, and being thankful for them.

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