Graduation Times

As another school year comes to a close, I can't help but think back on all the kids I've taught and all that has changed in the decade and a half since I, myself, left these hallowed halls.

First, did I really graduate from high school fourteen years ago? I've always felt that in life the days drag by but the years fly and this moment is not different. I've always been a sentimental person and couldn't pass up this little activity I saw recently.

1. Graduation year: 2004 2. Did you car pool? Yes, my freshman year with my mother! Then I drove. 3. What kind of car did you drive? 1996 Black Pontiac Firebird with T-tops. 4. It's Friday night football. Were you there? Yes! In the band danceline/colorguard!!!

5. What kind of job did you have? I would babysit. 6. Were you a party animal? Bahaha! NO! 7. Were you considered a jock? Heck no! 8. Were you in the band? Yass! 9. Were you a nerd? I didn’t own a pocket protector but I was in AP classes and cried if I got a bad grade. 10. Did you get suspended? Heavens no! (I was called to the office in 3rd grade and cried all the way there. I got a prize!) 11. Can you sing the fight song? It had no words but I can hum it and I can sing the alma mater. 12. What was your school mascot? Warriors 13. If you could go back and do it again, would you? No. I’m so thankful that I learned what I did but I am not remotely the same person now that I used to be. Also, I teach at my alma mater and that is more than enough for me.

14. Are you still in contact with people from high school? A few but none of my friends. Like I said, I’ve changed so much. 15. Do you know where your high school sweet heart is? No high school sweetheart but I do see one of my crushes every week. 16. What was your favorite subject? History, especially AP US History and AP Government and Economics. 17. Do you still have your high school ring? Yes and middle school. 18. Do you still have your yearbook? Yes, all 13 and maybe a few extra years for good measure!

I thought I knew SOOOO much when I graduated but boy was I wrong. It's the whole adage from Yentl, "The more I live, the more I learn, the more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know..." I was so clueless about the world and my place in it. I'm not sure I'm anymore clued in than I was then but at least I know that I'm clueless and I do think I've learned somethings since my graduation, in fact, several years ago we were asked to give advice to the graduating seniors. This was mine...

Dear Seniors,

You are about to start the next chapter of your life story and that is so exciting! Here are a few things I wish I had known when I was in your shoes.

First, if you woke up this morning you have a purpose even if you aren't sure what that purpose is at the moment. Second, worry less about what others think and more about being a person you would be proud to know. Third, life will not always be fair or easy but it will always be worth it. No one lives a charmed existence regardless of what the world tells you and a bad day does not make a bad life. Finally, remember, life's too short to match socks. Don't worry about the trivial stuff. It won't matter tomorrow much less in ten years. Have a messy house, eat popcorn for dinner and wear your jeans two days in a row because in the grand scheme of things it won’t make a difference.

I’m so proud of each of you and I look forward to seeing all you do in the future!

Love,

Ms. B. Anglin

I guess this is all still true and I wish the very best to all of my graduates this year! Congrats!