A White Cap, a Proud Mother, and the Beginning of My Journey: Remembering My HighSchool Graduation Experience

Reaching my 3rd year in college as a psychology student is a milestone I would always be grateful for, not because it gives me credentials but because it secures my future career. Just a year left, and I would have to clinch a diploma I have worked hard for four years to earn and make my parents proud. That is the dream, and part of this dream is remembering also the significant milestones I had before this. Such is the memorable moment during my high school graduation, my first ever recognition that seemed to prove my hard work in academics had paid off.

Today, I get to remember my high school graduation—it was emotional and victorious because after six years of studying in secondary education, I was finally moving to the last part and would experience the true form of education. My high school graduation was a symbol of hope, perseverance, and resilience, and nothing could ever keep me from wearing that white cap as my dreams were burning fiery.

Before the graduation, we had a gala or a graduation ball for the students who would graduate that year. I really prepared for that day since I would only be experiencing it once in my life, and I couldn’t just miss this chance of camaraderie and grand celebration. So, I rented a suit and pants for my outfit, which cost $35, including my shoes for the evening. The shop was just near our school, so I went with my classmates to pick what was best for us that would make us look dazzling the whole night. I paired with a girl I liked, and ridiculously, things went wild after the gala. I mean, we went on a real date.

And the day of the recognition arrived. It was like a breath from all struggles and late nights of studying. Waking up for the commencement rites was a top-tier experience, and I know I would be re-experiencing it soon in my college graduation. I got my graduation cap ready and neatly ironed my toga. I bought a polo for my graduation—just for the graduation—and kept it in my cabinet until now as a souvenir. My pants were prepared differently than the normal days I went to school. Everything was like in a movie, and I was the main character.

My batchmates, most of whom I didn’t personally know until we met in the church, visited our local before proceeding to the gymnasium where our graduation was held.

We dedicated the end of our journey first to the Lord because He had helped us in all the challenges we encountered, and we owed the success to Him. We waited for a minister from another locality to pray for us and bless us with the words of God as we took another path after high school. We would never have been successful without Him; hence, it was the right act of honor to celebrate it with Him first.

When I had my seat with all the students wearing white togas and caps—people who struggled with me, who scanned thousands of paper works, and who battled many exams—I felt great and honored to be with them. I could feel everyone's trembling nerves, caused by the idea that we were on our own now, and that they were excited to have finally grasped their diploma certificates and medals of honor.

We also sang our graduation song, danced for some entertainment for the audience, and sang our song for the parents. When we sang the song for the parents, I had goosebumps, and I could see my mother from afar singing the song with us, crying emotionally but happily. The hard work paid off when we finally lined up to the stage, called one by one, our parents standing beside us and waiting for the moment my name was called.

That was the moment I was on the stage with my mother placing the medals around my neck, and we took a photo carrying my certificates and diploma. I felt that the stage was made for me that time, and no one could make me feel better than my mother who stood beside me on that very stage, sharing a milestone I clinched for her.

We had a photo opportunity afterwards with my high school friends and some of the relevant people during those years. I guess that was what made the graduation even more special because my friends from different places attended and shared this one-for-the-books moment with me. My best friend was even there, and we took a photo together with my mother. My sister gave me a flower bouquet also, which I lost on our way home after the graduation.

Now that I am in college, almost on the end, looking back at that day always reminds me of how far I have come. It was not just a celebration of finishing high school but a gentle reminder that every sleepless night, every challenge, and every sacrifice was worth it by the end. That moment became the foundation of my resilience and passion to keep striving for my dreams and plans in the future. Now I am continuing my journey in college, I carry that same feeling of pride and gratitude, hoping that when the next graduation comes, I will again stand on that stage, this time as a psychology graduat, making relevant people proud once more just like my highschool graduation.