Next chapter in this crazy story called life

I still remember how it felt. The sun hit my back as I walked towards two large doors. Children ran all around, screams and squeals echoed in the air. I stood in a sea of other kids my age, slowly moving into the brick building. 

I would have never thought on my first day of kindergarten I would be where I am today. At the age of five I was overjoyed to be attending school, it was something new and exciting. I was nervous, which wasn’t a feeling I was used to, but at the time I was happy. Now I stand here today, at graduation feeling the same sort of emotions I felt on that first day. 

Graduation is the end of a long old chapter and the start of a new one. I’m excited for school to finally be over. I am more than ready to leave this place, bittersweet as that may seem. I’ve been in school for 13 long years now, I want to start something new, something much more exciting.

I’m ready to throw away all of the stresses school entails. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had so many wonderful memories here. I’ve made many achievements that I’m very proud of. I strive to be the best that I can, to do that one of the things I work hard to achieve are good grades. That can be difficult to obtain because of the struggle to focus. With the desire to have good grades and my ADHD brain, it has brought a lot of added stress in my life. 

School has its highs and lows, for some it’s an all time high and for others it’s their all time low. Regardless of the feelings someone has towards high school or school in general. I think us seniors can all agree that it’s time for a change. 

So what exactly is the next chapter after high school? Well, it can be whatever you want it to be. Some go straight back to school and attend college to earn a degree in whatever career they want. Others won’t even attend college and just start working right away. Personally, I will be taking a gap year. For one, to give myself a break from school, but also to save up for college when I really hone down on what I want to be. 

While I’m excited for the next chapter of my life, I’m nervous and scared for what’s to come. The future is so uncertain and that terrifies me. Even though I’m 18 and now a legal adult I don’t feel like it. After graduation day hits, however, I think it will finally really feel like I’m truly an adult. 

Change can be a good thing, but it can be hurtful or even heartbreaking. Once you finally become an adult you’ll have to leave those blissful childhood days behind. The responsibilities that come with being an adult can be daunting. 

As a child you are free to live naively in this world, there are no worries about taxes, work, and making money to survive. 

I have found myself going down the rabbit hole of regret, and wishing to go back to those childhood days. Adulthood looks terrifying, and while I have a mostly positive outlook on it those fears can consume me at times. I can take some comfort in knowing that even adults don’t really know what they’re doing either though.

There’s no denying that there are a mixture of emotions revolving around graduation. It’s a joyfully terrifying experience for seniors, and possibly even for grades below us as they watch us go . 

One thing that can bring us seniors comfort, despite whatever feeling you associate with graduating, is just looking around at each other. The realization of knowing you aren’t alone and there are plenty of others in your same boat will sink in deep. 

Others will be there by your side as you take the first step into the next chapter of life. Even with these bittersweet feelings, I personally can’t wait to see what comes next in this crazy story we call life.