Sorry I am just now getting to this…
I am finally a high school graduate! Graduation was the most surreal feeling of my life thus far. As “pomp and circumstance” began to play I realized my days of high school were finally coming to a close; that my perseverance through all my struggles was finally paying off. I was really graduating. Walking to the song I heard people yell and cheer me on. I was the first graduate to be called. I finally did it! It felt amazing. I smiled thinking that all the people who told me I couldn’t graduate on time were wrong. Every hardship that was put it front of me, I finally overcame. Graduation ended and I couldn’t wait to go see my family and friends who have cheered me on all these years.
Before getting to my family I saw the one person from my school that has cheered me on since my freshman year, my advisor. She was the one who opened the door and encouraged me into going to Vineyard so I could work hard to graduate on time. When I went back to Livermore High, she was the one who worked out my classes and made me feel somewhat welcome. When I saw her on campus, she always asked how I was and if I needed something. When I saw her after graduation I gave her a hug and told her “I wouldn’t be here without you! Thank you making this possible for me!” She started to cry and said “Kelli, you finally did it! Nothing else can get in your way! Make me proud!”
After that, I found my friends and family waiting to greet me with big hugs and great smiles. I felt I made them proud. For many, graduation is a sad event. Saying goodbye to high school was the happiest and saddest of times for many of my peers. For me, this was the most exciting time of my life. No one should be surprised that I am not upset about getting out of high school. This is just the beginning for me. The best is yet to come!
