Graduation brings on myriad of feelings

It’s almost time to provide congratulations to all of the up and coming graduates of 1999. Those in high school will be bidding farewell to friends who have often been their peers for many years. The transition for these individuals is often bittersweet, for they know that the future will not bring them together in the same manner that they have enjoyed during their formative years. Their book of memories will reflect various rites of passage – the beginning school, the selection of friends, the acquisition of values, the ongoing quest for knowledge, always preparing for life ahead.

Parents mark graduation with a kaleidoscope of feelings, emotions, and memories. They remember that little good-bye wave on the first day of school, the first time they heard the name of the new classmate who became a best friend, of teachers who inspired and encouraged, and scuffles in the schoolyard or the tragedies of losing a ball game. Overall however, parents are feeling moments of joy, gratitude, hope and confidence.

Let’s look at what the graduates might be feeling:

• Some are feeling the moment of independence. A diploma in hands means they want the right to make more all their own decisions. But they realize the moment is but another step toward adulthood.

• Some are feeling a moment of exhilaration, a marking of a milestone and a declaration of achievement. Reaching their goal has been difficult for some, for everyone it has required self discipline and perseverance.

• Some are feeling impatience. They are ready to move forward with all haste. The world is waiting for them and they are ready to tackle it.

• Some are nostalgic, realizing that they are at a crossroad. Friends who do not walk the same path in the future may be friends with whom they will not be able to share future experiences.

• Some are apprehensive. They realize they are not fully ready to assume the responsibility which will be thrust on them in their future study, their future work. They realize they still need guidance and direction from mom and dad.

• Some are fearful. They were above average in their high school classes. Will they be at the top in college classes?

• Some are anxious. They were a big fish in a little pond, but the big college ahead of them may make them little fish in a big pond.

• Some are shy. Meeting new people and making new friends will not be easy.

• Some are confident. They have applied themselves in their studies, have formed a solid set of values which will sustain them in making future decisions, and have learned to discern right from wrong.

• Some are trusting, aware that the future holds great promise for those who accept its challenges. They are will to work hard to reach their potential, and are willing to help their fellow man as they move along.

• Some are feeling gratitude for parents, teachers, and friends who have sustained them, allowing them to reach this pinnacle, and are trusting them to continue to offer support and guidance in the future.

Graduation is a myriad of emotions, a time of reflection and challenge – a time of rejoicing.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1999