Dancing in the Dark ✓

32 | theo

It was graduation day. The weather was pleasant, with the sun smiling down on us, summer slowly kicking in. The birds were singing, and flowers were dancing in the warm breeze.

I fidgeted with my robe, feeling the symbolised responsibility of growing up despite its light material.

"Cheer up, Theo!" My Mom demanded. "Gosh, why are you so down on your graduation day?"

"This is a new start," Noelle added. "'Take pride in how far you've come, and have faith in how far you'll go.'"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile that was fighting its way onto my face. "Corny. Did you just search motivational quotes up?"

She rubbed her neck sheepishly. "It was Willow's idea."

"Huh?" Willow asked in confusion.

My Mom gave me a soft smile. "We're eternally proud of you, Theo. Dad is too, for sure."

"Theo!" Leilani called. "Mr.Class President! You have to go in and have to line up now!"

I gave her a thumbs-up and turned back to my family. "I'll see you inside?"

My Mom smiled. "Go on."

I walked past my classmates, who were already lining up in the alphabetical order of their surnames. The mixed-energy buzz crammed the hallway, but I did my best to genuinely smile and congratulate them briefly. I found my place in the line, and we entered the hall and took our respective seats. In order to be as efficient as possible, we had all agreed to give a singular clap after each person's name was announced, which turned out to be rather amusing. 

When it was time for Class President's speech, my heart thumped in my chest, but I exhaled as steadily as I could and ascended the stage once more. One last time. 

"Class of 2018 -- better known as 'my friends'," I started, already receiving responding cheers from the crowd. "We've come a long way, haven't we? I remember walking through the great doors of our school as a tiny fourteen-year-old, feeling ready to take on the world. As I met more and more of you, I realised that I was not alone in my quest. I hope all of you have protected that determination and ambition of yours, and continue to work to make your dreams become a reality.

"Four years have passed so quickly -- which should remind us of how little time we actually have, and to treasure everyday. The day is not what it is -- it is what we make it to be. This year has been filled with our frantic discussions outside of exam halls, and constant checking if our teachers had answer sheets in their arms right after an exam -- but don't forget about how dabbing got banned because one of you clumsy geniuses hit a teacher in the face. And because of you lot, 'summertime' comes as my first response whenever I hear the question 'what time is it'. Running outside in the snow together, the late night drives to the nearby diner -- I hope that when you look back on these years, you remember the serendipity and the good times as well.

"To the teachers -- thank you for believing in us and guiding us these past years. And for dealing with everything, from our mischief to our complicated questions. We would not have been able to be here without you. To the parents -- thank you for giving us the opportunity to receive the gift of education. Education spreads knowledge, and knowledge is power. It is also something no one can take away from us. To the security guards, chefs and cleaners, thank you so much for providing us with a safe, healthy and clean environment to be in as well.

"Class of 2018, I hope we all continue to grow, and keep in mind that learning, of any kind, is never in vain. Expand your horizons, and go into the world with an open heart and open mind. You are the only person who is capable of changing your mindset, changing your work ethic, changing your life. When you do so, you will learn that it is possible to dance in the dark. And with that, I, Theo Atkinson, was your class president until now. As Master Oogway said, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." I pray that you remember that God will watch over you always. Thank you so much."