Beech Tree News Network

May is a season of graduations. My youngest grandchild is graduating from high school this month. We enjoy celebrating our students’ accomplishments – from preschool through post-secondary education. Graduation pictures are or will be posted on social media, and graduation parties are scattered throughout the month. Also, graduations provide the opportunity to simply be thankful for our students’ accomplishments.

Looking back at my own graduation ceremonies, I don’t remember most details, but I do remember my sense of relief at having met a goal and that others celebrated with me. Thinking along those lines, I asked friends and family, “What are some memories you have about your graduation(s)?” Their replies are listed below.

-I was so happy to be finished with my diplomas! And grateful that my family came to see me and recognize the achievement. And those gowns trap heat. Dress comfortably if you can because it’s usually hot in those things.

-I remember that infamous march, the one leaving, not entering. My friend gave me a wink as I was near tears, 35 years later at a reunion, I didn’t recognize him. Life changes us in many ways and on that night of endings and beginnings, we are young and looking forward.

-I don’t remember too much of graduation except the feeling of new found freedom.

-I don’t remember a lot from my high school graduation. But I remember that we – the senior class – were seated alphabetically on the football field. During the speaker’s comments, a guy in my class who was seated in the middle of the class group got up and walked to a corner of the field to pee, then walked back to his seat.

-It’s been so many years ago that I don’t remember a lot about my graduation. I remember that I had to make a speech for salutatorian.

-I backed into the concrete base of a light pole and trashed my bumper because a classmate was supposed to tell me how close I was, but he let me back into it and laughed.

-It’s hard to pick specific memories that are my favorites. I would say the entire last week of senior year. My class spent so much time together making memories.

-I remember it was always a relief. Mile-markers were checked off. High school graduation was the only one I attended. School was a job for me.

-The elation and joy of accomplishment after so many years when I received my bachelor’s in 2018.

-My favorite graduation was my son’s. I was both proud and scared at the same time. It made me realize he was all grown up, and I reflected on whether or not I was enough of an influence to help him succeed in his next chapter.

-I have hardly any memories of my own graduation! I actually reached out to a few close friends from high school recently, asking if they remember, and they didn’t. I do have memories of siblings’ and cousins’ graduations – even what people were wearing at graduation ceremonies and parties, and who I sat and chatted with, but I think sometimes it can be hard for us to soak in our surroundings during our own big moments. It’s easier to appreciate others’ achievements and celebrations and take mental pictures to store, but maybe it’s too much excitement and/or anxiety when the hoopla is for yourself. I do remember that my graduation cake was delicious, and I still have a necklace and bracelet I received as gifts.

-For high school graduation, I remember a few things. I remember who I walked in with and who I sat with, and that aunts and uncles were at my house afterwards to congratulate me. What I remember most though, strangely enough, is that my gown was ironed and ready for me to wear, without me having to ask. It might have been just a nostalgic time of my life, but it stopped me. I know I paused to be thankful for my mom in that moment, enough that I remember it even now. For my college graduation, I remember it was a beautiful day! My Dad was so proud, and I remember his hug in WKU’s parking lot. Good memories.

-I don’t remember much. I remember being thankful to be finished and trying to decide about my future.

-What stands out the most to me about my graduations were the people who came to support me. You never forget the ones who show up for you and encourage and support you.

-My favorite memory of all my graduations, high school, bachelors, and masters, was the moment in the ceremony when the class was introduced, not as graduating, but as graduates. The sense of pride in myself and gratitude to God for sustaining me throughout my time in school was so powerful in each of these moments, my heart could burst with joy!

-I remember having my grandparents at my high school graduation.

Frederick William Robertson said, “Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life,” and Jimmy Fallon said, “You’re not the future. You’re the present. You are succeeding. You are making us proud. You are changing the world, so keep changing the world and keep making us proud.” I am happy for each student who is graduating. Let’s celebrate their accomplishments!