Juliana

43. Class of 2008, we did it

*2 Months Later*

It was hard to believe it. The day I had been waiting for these last four years was finally here. It was Graduation Day.

"Did you remember your cap and gown?" Mom nagged me as Dad drove to the place where I was graduating.

"Yes, Mom. I'm not an idiot."

My phone vibrated, and the screen lit up, showing me that I had a text from Juliana.

Juliana: I need a hug from you so badly right now. :( I just practiced my Valedictorian speech.

Me: what about it? im gonna be there super soon, sweetie.

Juliana: I'm so nervous to give it. I feel like I'm about to either a.) pass out or b.) throw up.

Me: youre gonna be great jules. dont freak out. i know that youve got this.

We finally got to the venue, and I rushed inside to find Juliana. I finally found her under a staircase, sitting down.

I sank down beside her. "There's no need to be nervous. You're going to do great. Don't let the Devil get you with all those negative thoughts.

***

"And with that, it is an absolute honor to introduce to you this year's Valedictorian, Juliana Keating." Dr. Harvey, our principal, said.

Jules walked up to the podium, with her neatly stacked index cards in hand.

"My fellow graduates, can you believe it? We did it. Today is our day. It's the day we say goodbye to the crowded hallways and wearing uniforms every day. Today, we say hello to our future. I think I speak for everyone when I say that being a student at Star Christian High has taught me a lot.

Mrs. Kendrick taught us about differential equations, while Mr. Mathis taught us that sometimes you have to dive into a story, even if it might be so boring that it puts you to sleep. And Mr. Saltzstien taught us how to kill someone without anybody ever finding out."

Everyone in the arena laughed, including Jules. With a big smile on her face, she continued to give her speech.

"While everything we've learned here is going to valuable for us as we go from chapter to chapter in our lives, I think one of the most important things we all have learned here is to keep Christ as the center of your life and everything else will fall into place, effortlessly. With Him as the center, your life is going to be nothing but plentiful.

I just wanted to take a minute to give you some examples of what I'm talking about.

I have a feeling everyone in here found the living as Christ as like challenge daily that we were given at our Freshman Orientation as hard as I did. I even remember Ashley coming up to me and asking for accountability. And I remember how Darren, Aaron, Robbie, and the rest of the football team would act on and off the field. Everyone here, I just know it, would give the shirt off his or her back to someone in need.

I remember struggling in Kingley's class and being extremely frustrated with myself and all of the people around me. I ended up having to go to a core values presentation around that time and was reminded to put Christ at the center of my life. Once I did that, my attitude and grades drastically improved. It is so crazy how easy it is to veer off your path with Christ and put such insignificant things on a pedestal. I think I can speak for the Class of 2008, when I say that I am so grateful such an important virtue has been instilled in me.

I wanted to take a moment to thank all the parents and other family members for everything they have ever done for us. So thank you; we would not be here without you.

It's scary to think that we're going to college, Class of 2008. In just a few short months, we're going be scattered all over the country, well, world since Charles is going to Australia. But I do not see this as something we should all cry over, I see this as a chance to show God's light all over the world, in whatever we do.

That's my challenge to you, Class of 2008. Be the light when it's dark. Make friends with people who are different. Be there for everyone. When someone wrongs you, turn the other cheek.

As a final thought as we all take that step into the next chapter of our lives, I wanted to share a couple of verses from the Bible to encourage you all once more. This first verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And, the second verse is Proverbs 16:9, which says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

With that note, I'm now going to say, see you again, Class of 2008. Thank you all for everything."

The room roared in applause as my girlfriend gathered her notecards and took her seat. It was now time for us to receive our diplomas.

Dr. Harvey came up to the podium. "Well, Class of 2008, it looks like this is it. Thank you all for the last four years, and thank you for being such Christ-like leaders to the best of your ability. I am going to start with the Valedictorian first and then the Salutation, and then everyone else will follow, alphabetically. Out of respect for each graduate and their family, please hold your applause until the end."

The room went silent, and then, Dr. Harvey started calling out names, "Juliana Grace Keating,"

What felt like a million names later, my name was finally going to get called next.

"Robert James Patterson", Dr. Harvey said. I walked briskly up to the stage and across it. I shook his hand, received my dimploma, and then walked off the stage.

A million other names later, it was finally Aaron's turn.

"Aaron Drew Taylor" Aaron got his diploma then sat back down.

After everyone else got their diplomas, Dr. Harvey quieted down after all their applause.

"Class of 2008, by the power vested in me, I now declare you all officially high school graduates. Please turn your tassels to show this."

The room erupted in applause again.

***

"I'm so proud of you, Robert." Mom wrapped me in a hug. "I can't believe you have graduated." She turned to Aaron, "Same thing goes for you too, Son." She gave him a hug. "I am so proud of my big boys."

Sam came up to me, "Proud of ya, Robbie." Tyla and her lil boyfriend offered their congratulations too.

Right then, Juliana rounded the corner. I gave her a quick hug and kiss of congratulations before Mom got to her. Mom hugged her, and then they, along with the rest of the family, walked away, leaving Aaron and I alone.

"Can you believe we did it, man?" I asked him.

"Hard to believe it, but this diploma in my hand gives me the validation that today actually happened."

We both laughed. "Time to go take 'Bama by a storm. Glad you're gonna be my roommate."

"Hell, yeah." Aaron grinned. "'Bama isn't even gonna know what hit 'em once the Aaron and Robbie duo comes to town."

I gave Aaron a quick bro hug before leaving to go find my family and Juliana.

I couldn't belive it. It was so surreal. I was finally a high school graduate. Time had flown by and I loved everyone around me, but there was one person in particular that had made this last year of my four crazy years the best yet.

Her name was...

Juliana.