Congratulationsto graduates,youngandold

APenny ForM

y thoughts

by

Therese Globensky

Final school bells have rung for the year, and graduation ceremonies have been held. Caps and gowns have been returned and the music of “Pomp and Circumstances” has faded away. For some students, high school was the best of times while for others it was the worst of times. Songs, movies, books, tv shows and commencement speeches have all been written with the theme of the high school experience. High school seniors are often classified as prom queens, geeks, football stars, academic nerds, most popular, most likely to succeed, or most likely to disappear into obscurity. Some students fill their days with success, awards, popularity and a seat at the cool table. Others fill their days with isolation, disappointment, insecurity, and a desire to join any table.

Ironically, summer marks the end of school graduations while the time for class reunions begins.

People all over the country are receiving invitations to their 5th, 10th, …50th class reunion. Some look at that invitation with excitement and joy and as a time to return to reliving the best days of their lives. Others look at the invitation with disgust as they rush to the waste basket to throw the invitation immediately away. What is it about the four- year high school experience that causes such strong feelings? When you experience a great joy, after a while the happiness fades, and you move on to your next adventure.

Usually, the same happens with a great struggle or disappointment. You may stress over it for a while, then come to terms with it and over time may even laugh about. For some reason, many hold on to the memories of their high school experience. Some hold on to their glory days memories and would give anything to go back and relive them. Others on graduation day, slammed the high school doors vowing never to return with the sound of squealing tires accompanying their exit.

Covid 19 has changed the high school experience for many. Many joys of high school were temporarily taken away and returned looking a little different. Educators, parents, and students realized high school was not just a time of academic growth, but a time of social and emotional growth. Studies are now being analyzed about the impact that school isolation and not having a sense of belonging, has on children’s emotional and social growth. Sadly, the return of in person school learning has also included the return of school violence. What happens in a young person’s life that could affect their emotional and rational thinking so severely causing them to want to hurt other children? Maybe a positive affect of the pandemic will be the opportunity to examine our schools and make changes that would strive to create a learning environment where all children experience a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Years ago, Robert Fulghum wrote an essay entitled, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” He wrote about the importance of learning to share, playing fair, cleaning up our own mess and saying sorry when you hurt someone. He also wrote about the importance of milk, cookies, and taking naps. In reflection, maybe we spend too much time stressing over our high school years and need to reconnect with our kindergarten past. We need to celebrate with cookies and a beverage of our choice. It seems back then we had the wisdom to know how to create a meaningful, happy life.

Congratulations to all graduates whether it be kindergarten graduates, high school graduates, or graduates of life. Always remember, “When you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.”