So that’s the end of this round, for me.
Last week, my youngest walked across the stage, had the principal flip the little tassel on her cap from one side to the other, and collected her diploma.
High school graduation — it’s no small thing. In fact, it’s the stuff of legend, not to mention some really bad teen movies.
It could be argued that graduating from university or college, or landing a great job, is a bigger accomplishment. And that may be, but I’d say nothing compares in terms of a rite of passage. As one speaker aptly told McMath secondary’s Class of 2018, “this is your learner’s permit.”
In other words, you’re at the very beginning of your journey into adulthood, and while you may still need some supervision, the fact is you’re in the driver’s seat, now. It’s your hands that are on the wheel and your foot that’s on the pedal. (Yeah, about that lead foot…)
Or, as one of the wisest philosophers of our time said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
There’s a reason why Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is such a popular graduation gift. As I watched the grads cross the stage, I pondered the places they’ll go. Some are enrolled in university, others in college, still others plan to take a “gap year” to go travelling.
Who knows what really lays ahead for any of them, but it’s a poignant moment in time to see their Grade 8 picture side by side with their grad photo, to note how they’ve changed, how they haven’t (OMG, is that so-and-so? Oh ya, I can still see that dimple) and hear their future plans.
But back to Dr. Seuss, who despite being silly and whimsical is never trite. After all his clever rhymes about all the great places you’ll go, he adds, “Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes, you won’t. I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.”
At these ceremonies, we hear about who’s the recipient of what awards and who’s been accepted into what post-secondary school. And while I don’t want to deny anyone their due, the fact is all of these kids, even the high flyers, will get caught up on a prickly perch from time to time.
This grad class knows that better than most.
To that end, I respect the principal for taking a minute to honour one girl who wasn’t there — a bright star who died in October.
There is a lot of pressure on kids. I want to say “these days,” but perhaps there has always been pressure. Although, I don’t remember having to tell people I was taking a “gap year” to somehow justify not going to school the following September.
If I could tell the Class of 2018 anything, it would be the same thing I would tell their parents, and frequently tell myself: cut the comparisons and judgement and have faith in your/their own path, complete with twists and turns, and even some u-turns. Above all, be kind to yourself and others.
But, grads, the last word goes to Dr. Seuss: “Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way.”
