Graduation

I went to my final graduation last night. I cried through most of it 🙂  Graduation to me is so special. Each one of these students is there through their personal journey–some took 20 years to earn this two-year degree. Others less than a year (we have one-year certificates as well as degrees).  Some are earning their high school diploma and others have earned their GED.  Regardless of what they have earned, the night is in their honor and is their celebration.  And it is the reason I am a teacher.  So I cried for myself a little 🙂

After it was over, I walked out onto the large courtyard in front of the Coliseum and was overwhelmed by the huge crowds of people.  Family and friends and graduates in groups–hundred of groups–and I stood in the middle, just stunned…standing there frozen for at least 5-7 minutes, looking at everything around me in 360 degrees…crying…grieving this loss.  For that moment, it wasn’t about the students but about me and what I was losing…  Not thinking about what I was moving toward, but what I was leaving behind.  And then I wiped off my face and walked away.

On the way home I bought myself two scoops of Baskin Robbins ice cream and took it home, enjoying every bite 🙂

peace~~~