The end of June marks another finale to yet another school year for the children in our communities. It feels like this school year came and went in a flash, and all the kids are yet another grade further along in their education. With this advancement always comes the next class of graduates that will be completing their basic education, and heading on to the work force, or post secondary school. Its a huge accomplishment, milestone and time to celebrate for all those involved.
Looking back to my own graduation, I can remember that event so vividly as though it was yesterday. Fourteen years have passed since I sat on that stage with my 43 class mates, and I remember thinking to myself that I ought to take a good look around, because this might be the last time we are all together as a class. So far, that thought has rang true as life has moved on from that moment. We sat on the stage together, recollected the years of school, did our graduation march, then departed for the evening of fun and festivities with family and friends.
In my case, the night started out with the typical house party with family. Guests from all over came out to the family farm near the little town of LeRoy for the celebration, and there was food, gifts, and handshakes all around as we celebrated. Later on, I headed out with friends to celebrate into the night in true small town fashion. There were fast cars, unending laughs, and a couple of shenanigans that to this day I will deny being associated with. As much silliness that went on that night though, I did feel a strong sense of accomplishment, nostalgia, and freedom as I reflected on my years of schooling. Oddly enough though, there was also a feeling of anxiousness as I began to realize life was going to change in a big way, and that now it was time to look ahead to the next stage in life.
The reason for sharing all these recollections with you is that I am hoping that perhaps a high school graduate is reading this, and that they can somehow relate and feel “normal” in their time of wrapping up this stage in their life. It is also my hope that perhaps a parent might be reading this, and that it might be causing them to recollect their own graduation and how they felt on the night of their own accomplishment so that they can put themselves in the shoes of their own child, and understand the excitement and apprehension that is often felt on that night.
As you spend time planning your graduation festivities, and as the school year wraps up, take some time to stop and remember your own graduation and the feelings and memories that surround it. Doing this will help you prepare yourself for the nights of celebrating that will be taking place, and hopefully you can offer some words of encouragement to your child, peers, or fellow graduates. Life changes after graduation in a big way, and many graduates will be feeling fear, anxiousness or worry in the coming days, as much as they are feeling the excitement of being done school.
From the staff at Prairie Insurance, we wish all of you a fun and safe grad season to all those who will be celebrating this achievement. Should you be a coordinator of a large graduation celebration, make sure that you check into the various bylaws and requirements as you do so, and also consider whether or not you want to purchase a liability policy for your special event so that you can remain protected as you host. Not many people anticipate problems, but they do happen on occasion!
Congratulations to the class of 2019!