Graduation Gratitude




This past weekend, I took part in the most exhausting, yet one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was given the honor to be the keynote speaker at the Northport High School commencement ceremonies. See, there was not one graduation, but 10 amazing graduation ceremonies. Yes, phew!!

I have never been so excited yet nervous for an event (besides having my children.) You can watch the graduations, along with my keynote speech on the link below.

The graduation took place over two days, so there were five ceremonies on each day. By day two, my confidence was up, and I knew that I would truly miss the tribe of friends I had acquired, along with standing up on that stage, and doing my best to empower everyone listening to me.

On the second graduation morning, I happily adorned myself in my pale yellow dress. (You will appreciate the reference more if you watch a ceremony or two.) I packed my meals for the day, and looked forward to a full day ahead of me. Each speech went off without a hitch, and I grew more expressive and confident with every commencement that went by.

Not only had I empowered others, but I had also empowered myself due to this experience. I just loved having two full days of hard work, that was other than being mommy for the day. Before each time I would get up there, the board of education sitting up on that stage with me, would whisper words of encouragement. When I had completed my schtick, they would cheer, elbow bump and really make me feel like I was making a difference.

I  looked forward to my wonderful friend (who also works as a math teacher at the high school) assisting me throughout the ceremonies. She is the most doting friend, who would have my water bottle already opened before I could even take a seat for a water break. I also looked forward to the golf cart rides to the bathroom, and breaks in between ceremonies. The superintendent, principal, assistant principals, board of education members, sign language interpreters, photographers, my friend and I would all sprint to the back of the tent (stage) for the fifteen minutes in between graduations. We would pour water over our heads, complain about the heat, scarf down a snack and chat about anything and everything. We were all performers during this marathon weekend, and I felt like we were all part of a Broadway show, where we tirelessly worked the matinee and evening shows. I envisioned us taking our much needed break, and huddling before the next big one. I had my comradery, and I really felt like a huge part of something bigger than myself. It was a feeling that I had not felt in a long time.

Being a stay at home mom and just writing at home, you forget what it feels like to have adult conversations and being part of a big job, where you are one silk in a giant beautiful web.

During my last speech, I felt melancholy that it was all over. I knew that I would miss the new friends that I had connected with, feeling that true sense of purpose and being treated like a celebrity for two whole days. I mean, when else will someone radio in that I need my golf cart to go to the restroom, and have prestigious people go on a wild goose hunt to obtain zip-ties to tie down my shady umbrella? 

It was also touching and important to me that my mom was physically present for my last speech. Twenty years ago, I had arrived to my high school graduation via ambulance, and only stayed for a short duration. My mom did not sit with me on the field, so her being there this week, made up for an experience that I had truly longed for. For the both of us, it was a day of closure and gratitude, concerning decades of missed opportunities.

I am truly grateful and honored for my keynote experience, and I will definitely treasure these memories forever.

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