Well, this time of year has finally come around. As of a bit after 8:30 pm EST I have graduated and around 9:10 pm EST, I was handed my diploma in a dinky little white envelope only to remove it and put it in the proper blue book. I'm now a university student full-time with a part-time job, an internship, and god-knows-how-many clubs I've signed myself up for at uni. I had always imagined that this part of my life would be sad. That I'd be torn apart and upset. That I'd be terrified to leave everything I know and have grown to care about behind. But I'm so indifferent to that aspect that it's almost disgusting to me.

I'm really...relieved? I'm assuming that's the word I want. My diploma can't be held over my head any more. I know longer have to worry about playing nice to people I hated, for worrying that I might need them as a partner for a project. I don't have to consider any of the consequences for "misbehaving" as my parents haven't really got any sort of restraint on what I do anymore.

I'm excited for the future. Eager for what it holds. I know I can't fail. My damned pride would never allow for that. Besides, I've already got a head start on almost all of my classes for uni. The first year or so shouldn't be anything really new. I know it won't be too hard for me. And I'm sure I'll meet new people who are even more amazing than most of the people I'm leaving behind. Sure, there are exceptions. People who I'll keep in contact with, or try to, no matter what. I know I can maintain long distance friendships. My best friend is living proof of that. But most people...as callous as it might sound... I really don't care that I'll probably never speak to again. I'm no longer the naive individual I was in freshman year. I'm more independent. More willing to accept and embrace that idea of loss and departure. My true friends, I'll keep. And never let go. Anyone else will fade away. I don't intend to worry about the people in the past, because there's a reason they didn't make it to my future. Neither do I intend to disregard them, because every person I've met, no matter how briefly, have helped shaped the person I am today.

I'd like to assume that I'm a stronger person as I emerge from high school. I'd like to assume I'm more mature. I know I'm probably not a better person. Or even a good person to begin with. But I know that I've become a better judge of character and a person who is both knowledgeable about and comfortable with myself. Which is rather rare. And somewhat pleasing. At least a bit.

I'd like to thank all of the people involved with my high school "experience" as everyone seems to call it. I know I wouldn't be the person I am without your input, no matter how small. Best of luck to everyone going off to university. Should you want to keep in touch, you know where to find me.

Your Not-so-friendly Soon-to-be-out-of-the-neighborhood

Spyke