Friday, April 1, 2011

Bittersweet

It was just last year when I had mine. And today, they had theirs.

And as I watched them march on stage—on white togas and all—I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about my own high school graduation.

As I watched them receive their diplomas, I remembered how rewarding graduation could be—how the four painstaking years of toil seem to suddenly become so brief.

As I listened to some deliver their speeches, it was like I was hearing again my own voice—the shivering voice of a graduating student who was afraid of what’s waiting ahead of him, but at the same time joyful for reaching such significant moment of his life.

As I watched them swarm around in front of the cameras for their final group pictures, I couldn’t help but miss my high school classmates and schoolmates. Now I realize I should have taken more pictures with them. I shouldn’t have kept the camera on my bag just because I knew that uploading our photos afterwards would be tiresome and a long process. I should have been more patient.

As I looked at the graduates’ proud parents who seemed ready to shout to the world that today their son/daughter is finally graduating from high school, I also wanted to see again the smiles on my parents’ faces—the proud faces of the two great persons who made my high school graduation come into existence.

As I heard them sing their graduation song, I too just couldn’t help but replay in my mind our own graduation song—that song which bespeaks both the happiness of success and the pain of parting.

As I felt the joy emanating from their very souls, my soul too just couldn’t help but rejoice and feel proud of seeing another batch of students who will soon traverse their individual paths towards their dreams.

I know how it feels to finally reap the sweet rewards of your labor.

I know how it feels to finally part ways with your high school friends. It’s painful.

I know it’s frightening to leave your comfort zones. And you think you’re not yet ready.

I know also that it sounds exciting.

The feeling, the mixed emotions— yeah I know it’s overwhelming.

It’s indeed a lot to take in. And it’s bittersweet.

But don’t worry a thing now. Just savor the moment.

Frown and cry because you’ll soon part ways with your friends. It’s normal.

But don’t forget to also smile. Smile because you’ve made it. It was hard-earned, and you deserve it.

Today is your time. Claim it. Cherish it. Live it.

‘Coz a year ago, we had ours. And today, you had yours.

Congratulations MFNHS batch 2011! =)

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