Exit Stage Grad

High school is over now. I donned the toga, wore the hat, walked down the aisle, turned the ribbon, and received the diploma signaling the end of my physical being in my high school and the entry into a new chapter of my life.

It was weird how at first, I felt that this diploma, this piece of paper, would be something that would set me free from the whole "routine-ness" of high school living. Initially, this diploma signified the absence of the early mornings that I could never wake up for, long, long nights of homework that seemed endless and tiresome; falling asleep in class because of a boring lecture (or from lack of sleep), and being extremely wired on caffeine from Coca-Cola by the time the lunch bell rang. My whole outlook on what this diploma means, though, took a 360-degree-turn the second that piece of paper touched my hands. I got the diploma, sat down in my chair, and just spaced-out, drifted away some place else.

In my chair on graduation day, I forgot all the times that I got into detention for waking up late and being tardy for school. I forgot about dying to go to sleep late at night because a paper, portfolio or essay kept me up. I completely disregarded the extreme caffeine highs that had unbelievable lows (that just made me move in slow motion) I experienced almost everyday. I told myself: "Just forget about all that. College is gonna throw that stuff at you again, so just chill."

So I did.

I realized that high school threw quite a bit of "crap" at me. Aside from that, however, I also realized that the only reason I was never really affected by everything that was thrown at me was because I possessed a shield of good vibes. The shield consisted of several things: I had the support I needed from my family, I had teachers who were very understanding, and I had friends who were there for both the good and bad times. Honestly, I never quite understood why every other high school graduate out there gave props to family, friends, and teachers. Now, however, it’s a bit clearer and I can see why: These graduates gave props to the people who constituted their "shields" as well. Its funny how everything becomes so sentimental after graduating from high school. I dunno, maybe that’s just me.

So I was still on my seat. I left that plane of expanded thought momentarily and get back to being attentive because there is applause for an award that had been given. I found myself applauding as well, and I was no longer as spaced-out. Then another silence occurred in my head, and I found myself in another part of my memory banks. Images dating back to 1989, my first days at school, flashed in front of me. Gradually, I saw pivotal or rather hilarious occurrences that happened to me throughout the years I had been in school. I remembered when I had to perform an original song and dance composition wearing a homemade crocodile costume in third grade because I didn’t do my homework in English class for a whole month. The thought of the time I first made a move on a girl in fifth grade (and totally embarrassed myself, har har) made my cheeks all warm and I could feel them getting red up there on the stage. I remembered when I started to become more "mature" or whatever it is, and everything had new meaning. Much like how the countless detentions, reprimands, and letters of apology were no longer a chore or a punishment, but a lesson learned and a way to practice my writing skills. A million images of my now-finished school life were crystal clear in my head up there on the stage.

Sentimental? Yes, I believe so.

The time had now come. We had sung our tribute to our school; we received our awards; we received our diplomas; and we were acknowledged as graduates. I left the spacey realm and left the memories as they were because I wanted them to live in me in exactly that way.

I know that coming back to everything that had happened to me so far will bring a ray of light into any dark situation; no matter where, and caused by no matter who. These will keep me strong. These will make me happy when I need it most.

So here I am, fresh out of high school and confident about whatever awaits me. I have every reason to be so: The people, the memories will never leave. They are always going to be there.

Thanks.

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Authors note: Props to my family Brent School, to the wonderful people there, to all my friends, and to everything that has made me "me." Ateneo isn’t far at all.