16 Aug 2021

Growing up, High School Musical filled me with false expectations of what graduation would look like. Walking across the stage to receive your certificate, moving your tassel from right to left, throwing your cap in the air, taking photos with your teachers, friends and busting out in a big musical number (definitely the most unrealistic one but we can still dream). 

While I generally do not care for traditional high school customs, I was lucky enough to be granted a graduation for both high school and university. This year's ceremonies might look a little different though.

 

I get it, it’s a pivotal time in your life - where some people peak in high school and think they’ll never feel this type of joy ever again, it is still a time where you are no longer spoon fed by your teachers and have a chance to take control of what you want out of your life. 

It’s a time where you’re celebrating a full 13 years (kindergarten to year 12) of being a student. From learning how to spell words, to getting your pen licence, to working out equations with sin cos tan and pythagoras theorem to writing 1,200 word essays - you’ve come a long way, you should be proud of these moments and you deserve to celebrate them.

But with the unprecedented pandemic screwing things up, it’s hard to know what’ll happen. Will they be face-to-face with no families present? Will they be over Zoom with your principal reading out your name to a camera? Will it be socially distanced?

Not having a normal graduation will suck but hey, it’s definitely a story that you’ll tell your grandchildren.

Now, this isn’t a piece on the ways you should attempt to celebrate your end of schooling. Hell, you don’t need some horribly put together Zoom call with half your cohort talking over each other unless you’re keen on that, then sure. But don’t feel like you need to find something to replace your graduation celebrations. It’s such a monumental time and shouldn’t be half-assed (save the partying ‘til post lockdown for an ultimate hoot of a time).

No matter how it’s celebrated, your school, your friends and that one whacky art teacher that was like a second mother to you will do all they can to give you the send off you deserve.

In a time where exams are right around the corner and stress is at an all time high, even without the pandemic, Year 12 students need support more than ever. Just know that it’s normal to feel upset about not graduating the way it was promised to you. No matter which way it goes, no pandemic can take away the friendships you formed, the memories you’ve created and all your hard work you’ve put in that has lead up to now.

Enjoy it and take it all in while you can - how you make it from here is all up to you.