Moments of Magic

Graduation and Goodbyes

My graduation speech will be presented in this chapter. Some of it has been edited.

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The end of an era. It stands for many things. It symbolizes moving on from one phase of your life to another. It also stands for a new beginning. Every end is a beginning. Order 66 signified the end of the Galactic Republic and the beginning of the Galactic Empire. Just saying.

I got up quite late that day and gussied up for the graduation ceremony. My mom drove me over to school that day and dropped me off. I went to join Brittany and Kirsten, who were wearing white dresses like me and heels. I never expected to see Kirsten wearing heels. She was a complete tomboy in my book.

"You look so nice!" I said.

"Thanks! You too!" Brittany crooned.

"We should take some pictures!" Kirsten suggested.

"That's a great idea!" I agreed. So we all posed for a bunch of pictures, some featuring the three of us, some individually. Afterwards, we went inside, where the seventh and sixth graders were practicing Pomp and Circumstance in the sixth grade homeroom. 

"Whoa, Mia! You look really nice!" Luna came out to greet me.

"Thanks. I should really be eating lunch. Oh, and before I forget, may the Force be with you." I managed to say before I started chowing down my lunch.

"Thanks. You need it more, though."

As I was eating my lunch, I began to reflect on all that has happened during my middle school years. Thankfully, there wasn't a lot of drama here, unlike Amy's school. Most people my age say they hated middle school, but I...loved it. The school provided me with many life lessons, from perseverance to trying new things. And the lessons weren't just ordinary lessons. In Ms. C's math class, I not only learned about parabolas, but I learned how to problem-solve. While the Middle School Play was in production, I figured out that it was totally cool to be the weird, eccentric fangirl that I am.

Soon, it was time for the graduation ceremony. Brittany, Kirsten, and I filed in as the first notes of Pomp and Circumstance were made audible, followed by our families and guests, faculty, and grades three through five. Brittany, Kirsten, and I then made our way to our seats on the stage as Principal G stepped up to the podium. He talked about stuff that no one can remember, and then he called me up to present my graduation speech.

At this school, it was tradition for each of the graduates to present a speech to everyone in the auditorium. Ms. Fuse worked with each of us individually on our speeches, and I dare say that she was a good critic.

"Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you all for taking time out of your day to attend our graduation. My name is Mia Mircada and I will be speaking first. But don't worry. Our speeches will only last about fifteen minutes. There are only three of us, after all." I began. People chuckled.

"On September 3rd, 2014, I entered as a 7th grade student. I received a warm welcome from the entire school community, and deep down inside, I knew I was in for two exciting years of middle school. And I was right.

"The best part about the community here is that everybody is very supportive and friendly to each other. I especially needed that because five months prior to my first day, my father passed away from cancer and I was deeply saddened. But luckily, I was surrounded by caring teachers and classmates who've been there for me through all the ups and downs of my middle school career. They praised me when I was successful and when I failed.

"One time I experienced this was during basketball season. I was disappointed in my performance and considered dropping out of the sport, but Coaches Eddy and Tony, along with the entire basketball team, were always quick to tell me, 'Good job!' 'You're really good at basketball!'. Thanks to their encouraging comments, I held my head up and finished basketball season on a high note. Another time I experienced our supportive community was working on the Middle School Musical, The Wizard of Oz. Though I was comfortable on stage, I became more confident in my acting ability through the compliments I received from my classmates and audience members.