To all of my friends graduating this May,

First off, congratulations on the achievement! I'm so proud to see you go through all of college and survive-- it's tempting to drop it and just go find a job that'll pay the bills. But you decided to finish school and pursue a career that you've thought about for a while; you took your time and it has paid off. I'm glad to see your success.

But on a selfish side, I'm also jealous of your success. Firstly, you get to be out of college first and see more of the world than I get to see right now. I'm still in college, so I'm still learning about the world instead of experiencing it. You finally get to find where to go with your degree and use it. Why wouldn't I be jealous of you finally getting to use what you've worked so hard to earn?

On an even more selfish side, I'm sad you're graduating. Not only do you get to go experience the world, but you're doing so without me being able to join you. I won't be able to see you guys all the time at BSU Tonight and working with you to make a wonderful episode for the week, nor at St. Francis when it's Thirsty Thursday and we're all winding down from the week. Who am I supposed to look up to when I need help with equipment? Who's going to cuddle me or bond over old memories with me?

I feel so horrible for feeling like that because it's so selfish to think about that. Your graduation is not about how I feel. It's about you, your hard work, and your future aspirations. Your graduation is a celebration of your future goals being achieved eventually.

It's a mixed bag of feelings. I'm so, so proud of you, but also jealous and selfishly sad of you. I guess that's what happens with all big events in someone's life though, isn't it?

However, I think more than anything, I'm happy about your graduation. I'm happy that you've gone to do something that you're proud of, and that your diploma is one of the many signs that you've worked your hardest to be where you are now. I'm happy you've found a passion to pursue, and you've shared your passions and thoughts with me while we were in school together. Even if I've only known you for two years or less, you've grown to be a better person than when I first met you. Our memories together make me happy, and I hope they make you happy, too. I hope you're happy with where you are now, and where you're heading.

So as you celebrate your graduation and your newfound freedom from school, I hope you take a moment to remember all that's happened up until now. I hope you use your growth as reminders to continue being better, whether it be in your career or as a person. You're going to do even better things now, now that you have more time and more abilities to do so. You're going to be great.

Also, it'd be really cool to still see you once in a while, whether it be by social media or by an actual visit in-person. Even though we won't see each other as often because of distance, I still care for you and hope that you're doing okay.

Sincerely,

One of your friends still in school.