We’re finally here. After four years of hard work and dedication, or maybe not, we’re finally here. For some of us, these four years have been the best time of our lives. Others might have been waiting desperately to move on to better things. I may or may not be one of those others.

Now that high school has finally come to an end, I’m not so sure I’m ready to take on more responsibility. I don’t think I’m ready to handle the outside world on my own, even though just a couple of days ago I felt like I was in a cage and freedom was nowhere in sight.

Perhaps in these past few days, I’ve just learned to open my eyes and see the world for what it is.

There are many beautiful things to come in the future for all of us, but with the way life works, there will also be ugly things. Don’t let the ugly overshadow the beautiful. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but in the end, you have to choose to see the beautiful over the ugly. Easier said than done, I know, but you can do it.

The first thing you have to do is figure out what exactly the ugly is. (Hint: It’s probably a person.) Now, it may not always be possible to get rid of that person, but if you just choose to not give much attention to that person, you’ll be seeing more beautiful than ugly.

That being said, I am NOT saying that ignoring a problem will make it go away. Quite unfortunate, no?

Often times, people laugh at us. Sometimes it’s in a friendly way. Sometimes not. I’m sure we’ve all experienced both of these at one point or another.

It can hurt, but the key is to not let it get to us, to not let it change your values, what you believe in, because it does not mean the fault is in you. It simply means that the other person does not understand.

“People laugh at others because they don’t understand them. Don’t let them change your unique spirit or ruin your education with their ignorance.”

The best thing you can do for yourself is believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then why would anyone else?

Life isn’t going to drop a platter with everything nice on it for you to enjoy – you have to work for it. Life doesn’t owe you anything. All you get is an opportunity, and it is up to you take that opportunity.

With your diploma comes an opportunity to go further in life – an opportunity that many other people in this world do not get. So take it and make the best out of it.