Becoming An Alum: A Short Story

All through high school you hear, “these four years fly by fast.” I never believed it until it happened to me. The day of graduating was finally here. I sat through a two-hour long ceremony and waited for my name to be called, along with 375 other class members. I was drenched in sweat walking across the field for my diploma and my ears buzzed from my cheering family members. Without knowing this experience would change me forever.

It then hit me, four years had finally come to an end. I was now a high school graduate. I felt no particle way about it being an alum. All I could think was, it was probably the last time I would see 90 percent of the people again. Even though it didn’t bother me none. The majority of students were unsure of their future aspirations while others beamed with excitement.

The morning of our graduation commencement the seniors were to report to school two

hours after the regular time for free senior breakfast. Then run through practice once, hopefully if it all goes well. I thought my only problem would be finding out the ceremony would be taking place inside due to a chance of rain, which would be disappointing because seating was limited. But my worries took a whole new turn when my car refused to turn on that morning. I immediately had to make new arrangements. Upon getting to school another problem arose when half the class came late so practice had ran longer than expected.
At this point I was getting mad and just wanted to leave to get ready for later.

Due to the fact practice exceeded way past the time expected my major problem started. The night before this day I had dropped of everything I needed like my cap and gown, cords, dress at a family friends house who lived five minutes away from the school. Upon getting to the house no one was home, called a few times and couldn't reach nobody. I waited more than an hour for the family to arrive. I then knew I had to make a change of plans and drive back home. Which was 50 minutes away. When I finally got home I had to be quick, because I had to get back to the school. I was so panicked and anxious. My makeup looked a mess, but I knew I had to leave for the school. On my way there another inconvenience came up. There was traffic and I was forced to re-route. The new route took me way longer than I expected it to. This caused me to cry out of stress and frustration. I thought I was going to miss walking into graduation. Luckily, I made it just on time to collect my cap and gown and walk out with my

classes.
This accomplishment wasn’t only for me but for my family also. Majority of my family who came to support and cheer me on came from various places. Looking back I wouldn't change a thing. Through the whole experience of being in high school to graduation changed me. It has made me become more independent and more hard working. I have realized I have to be my own disciplinary and have ambition to do well. Being in college this experience has shaped me for the better. I know how to handle situations better and gives me a sense of familiarity dealing with things I dealt similar in high school. It also lets me cherish these years knowing how quick time can fly by and pass me.