world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 20

The class of 2006 filed into the grand hall, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours as the sea of graduates donned their ceremonial caps and gowns. Excitement pulsed through the air, thick with anticipation as the graduates made their way to their assigned seats. As nervous as they were, they were excited to put their high school lives behind them and embrace the world that now lay at their fingertips.

Lucia found herself placed near the front, her last name putting her ahead of many of her classmates in the alphabetical seating arrangement. As she settled into her seat, she couldn't resist the urge to glance back over her shoulder, her eyes dancing across the sea faces in search of one in particular. A beaming smile pulled at her lips when her eyes landed on Paul, his face lit up with a proud grin as he sat flanked by Charlie. Their eyes met and he gave her a small, enthusiastic wave before she turned back around, a fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach.

A hush fell over the auditorium as Principal Greene approached the stage, a few papers in hand. He stops, eyes dancing across the packed room with a smile. It always brought a smile to his face to see the graduates of each year even if it was sad to see them go.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2006," he began, his voice filling the hall. "Today we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates. This year's has brought many challenges, but you have shown resilience and determination despite it."

Principle Greene pauses, his eyes lifting from the page on the podium to take in the excited faces of the students before him. "I have seen you grow and flourish throughout your time at Forks High School and it has brought you to this moment. Your dedication to your studies, your involvement in extracurricular activities, and your commitment to each other have made this class truly exceptional. You are not just graduates; you are leaders, innovators, and dreamers."

"As you prepare to embrace your next journey--whether it be college, vocational training, or entering the workforce--remember that the skills and values you have developed here will serve you well. Embrace the challenges ahead, and never stop thriving for excellence." Principal Greene directs his gaze to Jessica, an encouraging smile on his face. "Now, it is my honour to introduce our valedictorian, Jessica Stanley, who has exemplified leadership and excellence throughout her time at Forks High. Please join me in welcoming her to the stage."

The moment Jessica approached the stage and made her way to the podium, the room erupted in a deafening roar of applause. The sound reverberated through the grand hall, a cacophony of cheers, whistles, and enthusiastic whoops that threatened to shake the very foundation of the building. Jessica could only smile happily at the praise, her eyes taking in and realising just how packed the auditorium truly was.

Jessica took a deep breath, steadying her breath. "When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronaut, president, or, in my case, a princess." The crowd chuckled softly.

"When we were ten, they asked again. We answered rock star, cowboy, or, in my case, a gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how about this? Who the hell knows?" Jessica's candid question elicited cheers from the students.

"This isn't the time to make hard-and-fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love... a lot," she proclaimed. Students whooped in agreement.

"Major in philosophy because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind, and change it again because nothing's permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask what we want to be, we won't have to guess. We'll know," Jessica concluded.