Though it’s not my turn, it is the season of graduation. Where students who put in countless hours of hard work finally get their diploma, and suddenly it’s all over. It is a sad thought though. It may not be me walking across that stage to earn my diploma, but I have many friends who have finally reached that point in their lives. It’s sad for me to let them go, watch them leave this place behind and start something new with their lives, but it’s also sad for them. This place, for many, was some of the greatest years of their lives. This was the time where they grew into an adult, learned many valuable lessons, gained and maybe lost friendships, but most importantly applied themselves so diligently to get that education. Now they have grown out of this place and it is time for them to move on. It’s not all sad though. There are plenty of happy thoughts that come to mind when I think of graduation. It is one giant, positive step into the future that will bring even more lessons and friends. and you'll gain experience, which leads to confidence, which leads to a fulfilled life. Going forward in life sounds terrifying, but we need to stop making it scary. The graduates are more than prepared to get out there in the real world. They might trip and fall but they will get right back up and keep going, because we all do.

I am proud of my friends who are graduating because I know it wasn’t the easiest journey, but I know it was so worth it. Seeing them dressed in their caps and gowns while holding their diplomas makes me smile from ear to ear. I can’t wait to see what they do next because if you think about it, the people graduating today will be our future doctors, lawyers, teachers, directors, actors, accountants and even possible bosses. That right there makes me more proud than ever. My friends who spent hours complaining how hard it is and how much they want to give up persevered and now have something to show for it.

To the fellow people in my boat, it is time to let them go. As much as we want to hold on to them for dear life and not let them leave, we equally want them to go do something successful with the lives. Remember if it’s hard on us, imagine how hard it must be for them. So let’s show them the support they deserve and watch them blossom in front of our eyes.

For the graduates, it has been a long road, but for some it probably went by way too quickly. Now it is time to keep that head high and go out there and use everything you learned to help shape the rest of your life.

Congrats, you did it.