A Letter to Kate: Graduation Day

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I’ve had four graduations in my lifetime – junior high, high school and two from college. I can remember each graduation as if it happened yesterday. I can still feel the pride in what I accomplished on each of those occasions.

In high school, I had all my credits by the end of the first semester my senior year, so I didn’t enroll for second semester. Therefore, I didn’t try out for madrigals, I wasn’t in the spring musical, and I couldn’t sing with the choir during commencement. I regret that now.

Graduating from college the first time was probably the most bittersweet moment of all my graduations. I was happy to be moving on with my life, but at the same time, I was sad to see college life come to an end.

College was the perfect blend of independence, while still being under my parents’ care. Not only that, but some of the best friendships I’ve ever had were forged in college. Even after all these years, I still miss the daily contact with my college friends, and when we get together, it’s like being in college again.

The hardest graduation for me was when I received my second bachelor’s degree. My dad, who was ill, wasn’t able to attend the ceremony. I was glad my diploma came in time for him to see it before he died.

On each of these occasions, I remember the sadness I felt when I realized that part of my life was over. At the same time, I was excited about the future. After all, moving forward from one phase of life to another is an opportunity for growth.