Why did I have to grow up so fast. I remember when I was a dumb kid going to school and socializing with other kids my age as we didn’t have a care in the world. I can remember learning my ABC’s and when I was in 1st grade struggling with multiplication problems like 6 times 7. The time my parents got divorced and the only way I was cheered up was when I was told I would get two birthdays. When I was in middle school and asked a girl out, got rejected and stayed in my room eating ice cream for a week to drown out my sadness. When I first went to a band trip outside of my home state as I was terrified to be gone for a week while everyone around me couldn’t be happier to get away from their families. All of that feels so insignificant as I hold my high school diploma as the names of the now adults I have known my whole life. It’s still shocking how we have all grown up. I don’t feel like I am an adult though. As the names continued to be called and I hold the diploma my gown resting over me I can see my loved ones in the audience tears pouring down their faces as their oldest son has reached adulthood. Yet I don’t feel ready. I don’t want this all to end. I’d rather just stay in my room and repeat this school life all over again. Yet I already promised my parents I’d move out and get an apartment, start a career and maybe find a soulmate. It feels hard but I know I must continue forward. As the last name is called the audience roars as I walk back to my family as they give me a bouquet of colorful flowers. We head home and as I head to bed I can only imagine what future would be waiting for me out their in this massive world with endless possibilities for me.