Reflection: Being a High School Graduate

Three weeks ago I turned 18.

Two weeks ago I had a graduation party.

May 10th, 2017 was my last day of high school.

Less than a week ago I went to a job interview and got the job.

A few days ago I started that job.

 

 

Things are changing and I want to take some time to reflect; some time to remember where I’ve been so I don’t ever lose sight of where I came from. This post may seem long and without direction, but I want to share what’s on my heart with you guys today. I try and keep my blog posts diversified; so if you’re looking for a review/giveaway post, I will have more up soon. Today I wanted to do a more personal post. Hope y’all won’t mind!

Reflection-

 

The days have seemed so long; every hour like a day, every day like a year. But, when I look back at all I’ve done in eighteen years it seems so dense and diverse. There’s been ups and there’s been downs.

There’s been moments where I barely had the energy to even go to school due to my underrating.  There’s been moments where I thought I would never be smart enough to graduate high school. I doubted myself so much and lacked confidence and self-esteem because of it.

 

May 10, 2017 was the day my last exam was due. It was none other than English, my least favorite subject. I read the textbook over and over, still not comprehending it all. I asked my mom to for help, she quizzed me on the topics. Since she was my teacher up until 9th grade she knows my strengths and weaknesses and is always a big help!

Of course, nobody could take the test for me. It was up to me. I clicked the “Take Exam” button and hoped for the best. 45 minutes later I get a congratulatory message and a grade of 100%. I rejoice with a smile on my face, hug all my family, and, just like that, I’m no longer a high school student. I’m officially a high school graduate!

At this point, I’ve already had had my graduation party, but I was still terrified of not passing my last class. There was the devil in the very back of my mind telling me I’m not going to do it. Well, God’s grace was prevalent in my make-shift classroom on that Wednesday afternoon.

 

Now I’m working my first job and am looking up good nursing schools close to home. The chapter that I’ve been on for so many years has come to an end. This is just the end of a chapter, not a book.

Going back to my first point, the days seemed to drag on forever. They really did and it seemed like nothing ever changed. But, now that I look back so much has changed. People have left my life and come into my life. I’ve learned the truth about so much and so many individuals, myself included.

I’ve learned that people only change if they want to. You cannot change someone and should not change who you are to fit someone else’s mold.

I’ve learned that not everyone will know your worth, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

I’ve learned that things won’t last forever. Life will always go on, we just have to decipher how we’re going to go through it.

I’ve learned that my body is more than a number. That harming my body in order to feel something is never the answer.

I’ve learned that some people won’t be in your life forever, and sometimes it’s for the best.

 

These thoughts are scattered. That’s probably because I didn’t outline this post or have a set topic. All I know is that change isn’t bad. It can be good, even great! It can also be scary and filled with uncertainty.

I had two days off before I was to jump into the working world. Before I started “adulting” just yet, I soaked in the remaining moments of childhood. I watched a movie with my family during the day. I made a big dinner and a sweet dessert! I slept in and had coffee with my mom. I know I’ll still be able to do these things, just not as often. I don’t say this out of sadness; I’m just as excited about my new job and chapter in life as I am sad about no longer being a high school student!

 

To wrap this post up,  I just want to ask you to take a second and look around you. I don’t care what age you are or what position you’re in right now in life; things won’t be like this forever. So, take in the smell of your house when you walk in the front door; the way your toddler giggles, and the taste of your moms classic apple pie.

All these things are temporary. It is sad when they go, but by them leaving they’re making room for more wonderful things to take their place. Instead of worrying about them leaving, embrace them while they’re still there.

 

 

Question time:

No questions in particular – Feel free to share your thoughts on the post!

20 thoughts on “Reflection: Being a High School Graduate

  1. Congrats to you. You are now adulting. I love your pic and I enjoy your blog. I did not know all this until I read this post. I enter your giveaways all the time. You are so pretty. I can tell you that because I am a 61 year old grandma/crazy cat lady. I shelter elderly rescue cats. Keep us posted. I really hope you like your job. Dream big and do even bigger things. I would give anything to be your age and have a do over. I am so glad you shared with us. Audrey Stewart

    Liked by 1 person

    • Audrey, your comment made my day! Thank you so much! It’s so amazing that you rescue cats; there’s so many animals in need and you’re making a huge difference. Wishing you a wonderful Thursday! Thanks for being such a loyal reader of my blog, it means more than you know ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Woohoo! Happy Graduation! I “graduated” a year ago (in scotland we don’t really have the whole graduation thing… you just leave haha!) That’s amazing about the job as well – congrats! It’s such a strange feeling knowing that you’re done with that chapter in your life, but it’s also so exciting 😀 I love that thought at the end, about things not lasting forever – I’ve been in India volunteering since I left high school and in a matter of weeks it’ll be time to go home again and I can hardly believe I won’t be here everyday come July, it’s so strange to be watching another chapter close already.

    Good luck with the job and nursing school applications – I’m sure you’ll be great x

    Anne // http://www.aportraitofyouth.co.uk

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Congratulations on your graduation. You are a beautiful young lady. The picture of you is gorgeous. Good luck with the job and nursing school. You will do great. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Marilyn

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Massive congratulations on everything Edye. I must say, this post brought a tear to my eye, but in a good way. Yes, this is now a new chapter in your life and I wish you all the very best. I hope you do find a nursing school close to home, as I have a feeling you will be the most caring nurse ever. You have learnt a lot in your years, you have a good head on your shoulders, and no matter what the future holds, you will do great. Life is all about choices. I love this post, it is not scattered at all, it is just your true feelings. Have a beautiful weekend. ❤

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    • Lynne, your comments never fail to touch my heart. Thank you for being such an amazing person and for your kind words! I am very excited about this new chapter and all that lies ahead of me. Have a spectacular weekend, my friend ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Congratulations on graduating, girl! And on the new job! How exciting. I look forward to hearing more about the nursing programs you are looking into!

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  6. Congratulations! I graduated in 2015 and was so relieved to be done and over High School lol. It’s awesome looking forward to the future and being able to live your life without HS getting in the way. Good luck to you and your job!

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  7. Congratulations! Next school year I will be graduating! I’m really excited and nervous at the same time. Good luck to you!

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