may 7, 2009: "Graduation" by shang
I’ve never taken leaving friends very well. In fact, it took me the good part of two years to move past my friendships from high school and get a grip on myself. And now, I’m here again with that distant but familiar sinking feeling, dreading what’s inevitable. Of the familiar faces that make up our everyday lives, most I won’t see again for months, some for years, and a few for good. I find myself wondering if this will be the last time I hug a friend or embrace a loved one.
I may not show it often on the surface, but to me, the most meaningful have always been the companions along the way—people we have crossed paths with, who become a part our lives for a day, a week, a month, or if we’re lucky, years or maybe even a lifetime. They define who I am, how I grow, and who I become. Each one contributes a few grains of wisdom to my growing collection, and each one leaves a lasting impression on the person that I am. We give away a little bit of ourselves to those that we interact with, and whether we like it or not, we take a little bit of them away with us to keep forever. Looking deep within ourselves, we find those no longer here in a part of ourselves and along with it a faint but nostalgic comfort. Surround ourselves with the right people, and we quickly discover that one plus one equals much more than two.
The enduring challenge has always been and will be to balance the pride with the humility and remember that as much as I’ve done so far, my best work is still to come. There are many more opportunities to grow, to learn, to develop. To use what we’ve created to make a difference, no matter how ephemeral it may ultimately be. To enable others to reach their dreams, to spread our knowledge and wisdom. To make an impact on someone’s life and to gain lifelong friends. To leave a legacy. To repeat the struggles and triumphs over again on a larger scale, as we’ve done during the transition from middle school to high school, from high school to college, from college to life in the city, and from the city to the world beyond.
Ironic how we work so hard to build up our empires, only to leave them just as they peak to create grander, newer ones. As we repeat the cycle of leaving smaller ponds for larger seas, the one thing we bring with us each time is the desire to build and the ability to do it. Now that we have the tools to do this once again in the deepest ocean, the question is how to use them efficiently and effectively to truly establish ourselves to the greatest potential. But there’s still a long road ahead, and much more blank canvas to paint on. The future is always open to endless possibilities, and as always, the best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present.
Today is the last day we celebrate as college kids. Tomorrow the parents come in, and the ceremonies begin. Sunday, we leave, as the next generation of movers and shakers supposedly ready to change the world. And with that, another long chapter comes to an end.
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