I never knew there was something out there that would concern me more than the adventure of college. I mean I have always been a coiled bundle of sensitive nerves, but as graduation looms ever closer I fear that once the tassel moves from right to left that I will never be the same. My parents radiating with joy and pride when they look at me sitting among my graduating class. My mom dabbing her eyes with a Kleenex and my dad trying to calm her down with gentle pats on her back.

Before we processed in the band and choir were arranged inside and were performing the usual patriotic songs to pay homage to the armed forces. They really work so hard that I stand silently, listening to every note and every word. My classmates around me alive with chatter, majority of it filled with glee and others weighted down with sorrow. For me it is a mix of both and a little terror. They chose me to be a speaker of our graduating class, so I hold my note cards tightly, not wanting my words and thoughts to disappear. The music begins from the band and the teachers watching over us gesture for us to enter. We walk in as pairs and all feelings you have should be left at the door.

Unlike everyone else I follow the principle and another graduate up to the front stage. In my mind I'm thinking what I've gotten myself into and about the years leading up to this point. The principle points to a pair of chairs behind a podium and we take our seats. The choir does a little song chosen by the senior choir members, then Principle Madden begins his long-winded speech about what an honor it was to see so many of us here and blah-blah-blah. Then he says my name and I step up, hands shaking so uncontrollably I tuck them in the sleeves of my robe. My voice sounding as nervous as I felt. Luckily they put the trash can where I said to in case this wouldn't turn for the better.

"Ladies and gentlemen", I begin. "Teachers and staff, band and choir members, and graduates of the 2026 school year. Before I begin, I would like to observe a moment of silence for the teachers and students that could not be here with us today."

As the room grows silent I regain so of my nerve to continue. I look at the garbage next to me again then realize that I could do this and finish strong.

"Thank you. I'd also like to acknowledge the band and choir people for giving us some entertainment. I don't know about the rest of you but these last four years have passed by so quickly. It's days like these that I personally will remember, even long after leaving high school. I give my hope to each and everyone here because like Benjamin Button said, 'I hope you're living a life your proud of, and if you find you are not I hope you have the strength to start over.'"

For a moment I scan the audience to see how many are still engaged with my speech. Parents around in the stands are rapt but some of the students look as if they are ready to get this over with.

So I rap it up quickly and hand off the mic to the other student Frank Gerald. He rambled on about sports and how our school will probably be better off without us causing mayhem. Then as if in a blink of my eye my tassel had moved and a diploma was grasped in my hand. It was as if I was going to preschool for the first time. Yet as I toss my hat into the air it leaves me thankful for being strong and determined to make it this far, and to continue my hard work for years to come.