Graduation Day

We live in a society where high school graduation is celebrated but is also a given these days. Emphasis is instead place on the awards, the honors, the scholarships, the highest test scores. And those are wonderful accomplishments which absolutely merit accolades. But there are no awards given for perseverance….for enduring years during middle school after your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgeries, chemo, and radiation. There isn’t a public acknowledgement for learning to find your voice and express yourself after years of dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. There isn’t a certificate for self regulating a year of virtual learning while juggling three different education modules at home. And there no special honors for navigating the grief of losing two family members within a year in the months leading up to a global pandemic.

First day of senior year

No doubt about it, you – along with countless seniors across the world – were robbed of your senior year. Oh you could have stayed involved in some activities or taken a hybrid path but it just seemed too risky and your choice was to stay home and take virtual classes. So memories of this past year will always be more bitter than sweet. In a way, though, it makes today a little easier. It’s easier to say goodbye to the high school days and move on to what’s next. I am so excited for you to have new opportunities, meet new people, and to follow your passions.

There’s a line in the movie “The Help” that states “you is kind, you is smart, you is important.” And all of these things are true….I could also add that you are creative, artistic, beautiful, loving, empathetic and hilarious. I am so proud of the young woman you have become. Congratulations on your high school graduation; I love you.

Love,

Mama

Karri Temple Brackett
May 16, 2021

Leave a Reply