Throwback Thursday: Pomp & Circumstance

See that little girl in the green?

I just finished editing her salutatorian address for graduation on Saturday.

It may be cliche, but where has the time gone? Not only are my baby sister and Courtny’s little sister graduating from high school this weekend, but it has been eight years since I crossed the stage and received my diploma from Southmont High School.

Eight. Years.
Holy wow.

The high school experience was typical for me – an equal mixture of awesome and horrible. I was pretty bright, semi-athletic, and had a solid group of friends. But, I was also captain of the color guard.

Some of the guys in my class used to refer to me as the “Band Goddess.” To this day I can’t figure out if that’s a compliment or an insult.

I felt like I was a smart kid… that is until my sisters reached their graduation ceremonies. Grace said the prayer as No. 3 in her class. Jessica, like I mentioned, will give the salutatorian speech at No. 2. I got to sit in the front row… barely.

Representin’ No. 15 right here.

At a small town school like Southmont it is incredibly common to meet your future husband in junior high, and then proceed to date them for 10 years until it is socially acceptable to get married. I cannot tell you how many of my high school classmates married the same person they were with at commencement eight years ago.

Not that I’m dissing those people… since I’m one of them.

As I prepare for the crazy weekend ahead of us (just how many commencements and open houses can we fit into 48 hours?!), it’s fun to reflect on the beginning of the rest of my life. Graduation, regardless of where you finished or what experience you had, is hugely monumental. High school is hard, but nothing better prepares you for your next adventure.

So if you’re a part of the Class of 2014, congratulations. This weekend is a celebration of your survival, and a send off party for the rest of your life. Hold on, and keep your arms and legs inside the carpet – your ride is about to take off.