Graduation stirs many emotions

This is the month that salutes and congratulates graduates. It’s a time for appreciation of accomplishments.

High school graduates this month will be bidding farewell to friends who have been their peers for many years. In closing a life chapter, they know the future will not bring their class together again in the same manner. In their book of memories will be various rites of passage – the beginning of school, the selection of friends, the acquisition of values, the ongoing quest for knowledge, always preparing for life ahead.

Parents mark the day with reflection. They remember that little goodbye wave on the first day of school, the first time they heard the name of a new classmate who became a best friend, of teachers who inspired and encouraged. Parents are feeling moments of joy, gratitude, hope and confidence.

But what are the graduates feelings?

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

• Some are feeling exhilaration, a marketing 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 that 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 average in their high school classes. Will they be at the top in college classes?

• Some are anxious. They were 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 that 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 willing to work hard to reach their potential and are willing to help their fellow man as they move along. They see the world as one planet.

• 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 brings forth a myriad of emotions and is a time of reflection and challenge – a time of rejoicing. No wonder we always say “congratulations” to all graduates.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1989