12 Jun Get out your cap and gown… It’s Graduation time!!!
Students in middle school, high school, college, and university are taking the next big leap towards their future; they’re graduating! It’s an especially exciting time for parents and family members who get to watch their graduate put on their commencement gowns and caps, walk the stage, and be recognized for all of their hard work. For many students, this great achievement is not only theirs, it’s also for their parents, their family and their friends who have helped, supported, and guided them throughout the years.
Today, when I woke up in the morning to get ready for my big day, I couldn’t believe it. It has been something that I’ve worked towards for the past four years. You can’t imagine the number of “all-nighters” I pulled, or days in the library I spent, or Friday nights in the editing suites at school that would turn into early mornings just finishing assignment after assignment. Although I was very excited and happy about this very important moment in my life, it didn’t really hit me that I was graduating. It felt like an out-of-body experience where I was watching myself walk through the steps, get on stage, shake hands with the important people, get my diploma and sit back down.
The ceremony was beautiful… but what really touched me, and snapped me back to reality was when the announcer thanked all of the family members in the audience and told them that this is as much their achievement as it is ours. She then went on to specifically recognize those students whose parents couldn’t be there and told them that wherever their parents were at the moment, they were smiling and so proud of their kids.
I started to think about how lucky I was to have my parents by my side, to have their love and support. How lucky I was to have them here with me and how much the announcer was right in saying that this achievement wasn’t mine alone. I am who I am because of my parents. I work hard to make them proud. And every goal I reach, every step I take towards my dreams, I know I am walking in the direction of theirs too. There is nothing they want more than to see their kids happy.
When I walked off the stage, I saw my dad and mom waiting for me in the audience. They looked so proud. And even though I was supposed to head over to the reception area with the rest of the graduates, I decided to skip that step and went directly to where they were waiting. Walking the stage, getting my diploma… none of it was as special as that moment when I saw my parents standing there so happy and so proud. I wouldn’t give that up for anything in the world.
So if you’re a recent graduate, I salute you! I know how hard you must have worked to get where you are. And if you’re a parent who’s reading this, I appreciate you. None of us would be where we are if it wasn’t for your love and support.
During this special time of year, we here at Browns Cleaners want to congratulate all graduates and their families on this amazing academic achievement. We wish you nothing but success in your future endeavours. Go out there and change the world!
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