My 2019 "Graduation'' Party

At the beginning of this year, 2021, my school reached out to me inviting me to participate in the graduation ceremony. They explained that the class of 2020 will have their own ceremony and invited me to walk across the stage. At first, I said absolutely not. I didn’t understand the point, when I already had my degree and it’s been over a year. After a conversation with my grandmother, I started thinking about if I should. After all, I did dedicate four and a half years to getting this degree. One day I came home and just looked at the degree sitting in my mothers dining room. I thought to myself, all this work for this piece of paper. I sat and stared at it for about 10 minutes. Then I said to myself, I’m going to do it. What do I have to lose? I told my mom I decided that I am going to walk. Her response, was pure joy and excitement. My grandmother had the same joy when I told her. Unfortunately, my school only gave me four tickets for the graduation. I decided to keep it small and intimate. I wasn’t going to invite all my family, because I felt like they had already did that for me, two years prior. One night, my aunt called and asked why I didn’t invite her to my graduation. I explained how I only had four tickets and I wasn’t planning on doing anything after. She replied, “Who cares, we can do a dinner to celebrate you afterwards. Graduation in the boring part anyway, we can have a small party.” I honestly didn’t even think about having a party, because like I said, I had one already. The happiness that my aunt shared, made me change my mind. I started planning a small brunch with just my immediate family. A couple days later, my cousin called me and said why don’t you think your graduation is a big deal? I explain to her that I felt bad that I had people come down in 2019, and not see me walk. She reply, and excuse my language, “F*ck that. Life is short you have to celebrate all your accomplishments. We are going to celebrate this like it’s the first time you did it. We like traveling anyway, so it wasn’t a problem to have a vacation in Atlanta. Don’t dim your light. This is big!” After talking to her, I had a whole new outlook on my graduation. She was right, why not live it up like it’s the first time? I found the perfect brunch spot, with my floor to ceiling windows that I love. I asked my mom to get the cake that I loved, at the last party. I got my dream shoes, gifted by my cousin. We were going to do this thing big. 

I headed to Atlanta on Friday night, and prepared for my Saturday morning ceremony. I woke up bright and early and headed to my graduation. When I got there, I didn’t speak to anybody, because this wasn't my class, I didn’t know them. I started to find myself falling back into the mindset I had before. Why am I here? As I was texting my friends complaining about how I didn’t know anybody, how my heel was falling into the dirt of the grass, and how hot and bothered I was, I was quickly checked. My friend said, “Stop complaining about everything, enjoy the moment. Realize where you sitting. This should motivate you!” I had to snap myself out of it. All of the little things did not matter I was here, I made it. Stacey Abrams, gave a powerful speech, and students from my school sang amazing songs. I felt proud to be sitting where I was. It was nothing but black excellence. When they called my name, I walked proudly across that stage. I felt so accomplished, like everything I had been working for was worth it. I closed the chapter of a book. I was a walking testimony of what resilience looks like. None of the problems that I had been through with my school, mattered at the moment. This was personal. I owed it to myself to walk across that stage. The beautiful thing was, those who weren’t able to attend, were able to stream the graduation via YouTube. 

After I walked across the stage, I was embraced by my mother, father and grandmother and grandfather. My phone was flooded with congratulation messages and phone calls. Later that day, I had a brunch with my close family and friends. When I walked into the room, I was blown away. My mom hired a party planner to decorate the room. She arranged fresh flowers, by herself, all around and the room, and had large balloons. I was expecting a basic table, but got so much more. My best friend, Toria, brought me flowers and I was surrounded by love. After the party I went out and had such an amazing time with two of my closest friends. My friends, Zana and Nesha, treated me to dinner and more.

I say all this to say, celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. I’m so happy I listened and walked in my ceremony. Although, I technically already graduated, walking across the stage symbolized something. It sparked something in me. I feel complete. I was finally able to do something that I wasn’t able to do before, just from being persistent, and resilient. Don’t give up and go for the go, no matter what. No matter what obstacle is thrown your way, you can do it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, all that matters is that you stick to it. Now I’m back in Michigan, ready to conquer all my goals. Being in Atlanta for the weekend reminded me how much and miss the south. I will be moving within a year, and I can’t wait! To everyone who congratulated me, thank you. This was more than a walk across the stage, it was a ending of a long hard story!