Online Love

Graduation

When we made our way to the office. We found Beth standing there waiting for us. She motioned for us to follow her. We walked through the office to find ourselves out side again. This time standing in front of every student who had turned up. Every year below us. All having to come back next year. We stood behind Beth as she and the Principle addressed everyone. Welcoming everyone to the last day. He did this at the end of every year. But it felt weird standing on this side.

Beth: "Every year. At the end of the year on the last day. We ask some students in the leaving year to speak a few wise words before they leave and talk about their High School life. Normally we would ask them a week in advance. But we thought this would be better."

She turned around and motioned for Seth and Lachlan to step forward. When the rest of us didn't move. She walked behind us and lightly pushed us forward. We all joined the boys ahead.

Beth: "This one single group of friends. Have been together since they started. With the exception of Seth and Lachlan. And yet even now they are all graduating together. I can see the looks on your faces. Some in fear. Some in hatred and disgust. I hope you don't bring that prejudiced behaviour into the next year. As I will not be tolerating it. And neither will any of your teachers."

She took a step back and motioned for one of us to step forward. Megan had done so first. And began to speak of her life here at school. Talking about the friends she has made. Everything she has learned and excelled in. And what she hopes for the future. She finished with a single line.

Megan: "Always be prepared. You never know what can happen."

She says this as she pulls her medical kit out of her bag.

Megan: "I'm serious. Even having the smallest and most basic first aid training. Could potentially help anyone you see who has been hurt."

She put her kit back into her bag before taking a step back. Nathan stepped forward and started talking about how he could never focus. He would fail all of his classes. And yet they still let him through each year. His message of determination seemed to speak to a few students as I looked around. He ended with a simple. "Never give up." Mitch took a step forward and Lachlan joined him. Mitch started talking about how even though they were gay. They were still human. And that the crap they copped from students of every year. Whether in the past or recently really does put a toll on the mind. He spoke about how he wished the school was less judgemental. And more peaceful. So that maybe one day. People wouldn't be scared about who they are. And would feel accepted. Lachlan followed with a talk of the same thing. They both ended with the same phrase. "Never be afraid of who you are. Because who you are defines you. No one else." There was only myself Erica and Seth left standing. I knew Seth was to go last. It just made sense. He had some big things to get off his chest. Erica stepped forward and naturally spoke about confidence. Being confident in yourself. Having faith in yourself. Yet also spoke of protection. When she finished she didn't really have anything to say at the end. She just took a step back.

Nathan: "Luca we all did it. You have to as well."

I nodded and walked forward. I talked about patience and being selfless. I spoke about how I never thought about myself. I only thought about others. Made sure they were happy, Smiling always ok. And that was a bad thing. I felt everyone look at me when I said that.

Luca: "Being their for everyone else all the time can be good for you. Your friends can depend on you to be there for them. And that's cool. But you need to take time for yourself as well. If you aren't happy. Or if you are feeling down. Take a me day. Relax. Look after yourself. If your not happy. It is hard to cheer up everyone else."