graduation

It's almost over.

My gown is in the closet.
My bags are packed.

The drawers have all been cleared.



They held my life for eight long months.

Mere memories packed in a crate.




Lining up to walk to the field.
Organizing my sashes.




Can't cry yet. It's too soon.




Finally, I look presentable.

Walk out with my roommate of three years.


(Today could be the last time we see each other ever)





Four years.
Four years of classes.
Four years of professors.
Four years of friends.
Four years of "you can do this!"
Four years of "try harder next time!"

Four years having the best and the worst time of my life.



The line is made.








Look down the line at the friends I've made.
I have stories for all of them.






I still can't cry yet. It's still too soon.










I go to my seat. It's starting to get warm.

I immediately regret being so involved.
The sashes add extra fabric.








My name is called.









I walk across the stage and accept my diploma.

My family is waiting on the other side with a camera.
Proud.

...so am I.






I watch my friends and classmates
one by one
walk across the stage,
get their diplomas,
and return to their seats.










Four years ago, none of us could see this day.




Now, it's here.







Four years later, who knows where we will all be?



No more dorm parties.
No more 1 am store trips.
No more staying up late watching movies with my roommate.



Time to face the real world.
...alone.







I wish I could have four years more.
Make more memories.
Create new dreams to pursue.

But I can't.









For four years of work, all I have to show for it
are memories and a piece of paper.










It's the best moment of my life!