Popping The Bubble

Placing that cap upon my head and dressing myself in those long gowns meant that I was about to take my first step out of the safe zone.

From my first day of middle school to my final day of high school, I have always attended a small Christian school. I was forced to attend against my will. Both of my older brothers went to it when they were young as well. My parents thought that it was the best solution to keeping us safe while at the same time gaining a quality education.

I am very thankful that I went there. I was able to meet a bunch of amazing people and learnt some valuable lessons along the way. Graduation day finally came around, and after being enrolled there for nearly six years, I was about to say goodbye.

As my class and I entered upon the stage, ready to receive those long-awaited diplomas, I felt every emotion one could possibly name; excited to see what the future held for me, fear of what may come, pure happiness to be with those I love, yet sad to see them go. I wish I could have stayed in that moment forever; in between "We did it!" and "Don't leave yet."

My name was finally called, and I strolled down the aisle. I shook the headmaster's hand, just as rehearsed, and gratefully received my certificate of academic achievement. In that moment, my high school career ended; the bubble finally burst, and I was taking my first steps into a new chapter of my life.