Pomp and certain circumstances
In recognition of graduation season, here are 9 reasons I'm glad I don't have a teen graduating from high school.
1. Been there, done that. Three times over.
2. The cost: senior pictures, announcements, class rings, yearbooks, caps and gowns, and more.
3. Aforementioned senior pictures. Not so sure how it goes with boys, but with girls there's the trauma, the drama of portraits. (Tho I must admit my girlies' senior photos were lovely ... and they kept their bodies appropriately covered, unlike some senior portraits I've seen of late.)
4. The cost, part two: graduation gifts. No cars for my kids, but there were computers for college.
5. Gah! College! Graduation from high school means college plans or at least considerations. So, so, SO glad to be done with college app fees, FAFSAs, food plans, and travel to and fro.
6. Senior prom. Enough said. If you've ever gone to one — or had a child go to one — you know what I mean.
7. Graduation night parties. Fear and trembling on the part of parents with kids who think the flip of a tassel has made them an adult and they're ready to party like one. (Kids who don't realize that adults typically party hearty in a less hearty — and more safe — manner. Usually.)
8. The summer before college. Again, fear and trembling on the part of parents with kids who think they're adults ... except when it comes to picking up their room, saving money, packing all the right stuff for college, and being considerate of parents who still expect them to come home before the crack of dawn (or at least call if they're not).
9. The next chapter: The empty nest. It's a tough one to get used to. Been there, done that, too. Am now finally used to it. And am so glad I don't ever have to go through the transition again.
All kidding aside, to those who do have lovelies marking the end of their high-school careers this graduation season, I sincerely say Congratulations! (And good luck!)
Photo: stock.xchng
Today's question:
What is one of the more valuable lessons you learned from high school?
Friday, May 13, 2011
Reader Comments (10)
As one who has a lovie graduating this year, I can identify with all of the above. I must say this is definitely a new experience and one I am struggling with as a mom. I am happy for the new experiences and waiting to see what God has in store for Alex. As I was ironing his gown last night for his senior pictures today I stood there and cried as I felt like I was watching a reel of his childhood go through my head with every stoke of the iron over the gown. Prom was last weekend so we made it through that (although I'm sure it is more difficult with girls). Now if I can just hold it together through graduation. :-) And to think I get to do this 4 more times. Does it get any easier?
Holding on to my Lovie a little while longer (he's going to stay home and go to community college for at least a year...yeah).
The most valuable lesson from high school was that all the drama and BS that happened really wasn't all that important.
If there was anything I learned I have fortgooten what it was. It must not have been important.
I am not sure what I learned in high school, besides sex and drinking (yea even back then), but I have learned since that high school and all that goes with it is only a temporary condition. "It got better". Thank goodness.
I, too, am glad to be past the graduating children stage (although there are SEVEN grandchildren this year finishing either high school or college) and, from high school, I think I had to learn AFTER it that every day in real life, there's a TEST wherein you have to learn from trial and error, not ever again being Mrs. Cole's Pet in algebra or Mrs. McClean's pet in literature or Mr. Allen's pet in everything.
You're nobody's pet in real life and have to make it on your own.
Making good grades in high school won't get you any brownie points when trying to survive life.
Besides, it all becomes fifty-year-old memories if you live long enough.
It's been so long since high school that I don't remember much. I guess a valuable lesson I got from it was to just be yourself and that high school is not the real world. And I agree with Terri....it's just a temporary phase in your life and things will definitely get better.
My mom made my prom dress. I paid $35 for fabric and notions (back in 1987) and of course, she charged me nothing for her time. I don't remember what tickets, corsage/guy flower, dinner cost - and the pictures, of course. We didn't do the limo thing -
And senior pictures! ay yi yi.....People have pics taken with their horses, other pets, in uniform (like - the re-enactment uniforms from Civil War era), and as you cited, the barely dressed look. The yearbook supervisor finally said "no extras" - "just you" - so no one could submit half-naked pics of themselves with their pets, etc. :)
Did it last year! I have a couple more years before the next one!
The more important lesson I learned from high school was how to run a meeting, take notes, make an agenda and keep people on topic.
My oldest grandchild graduated last year, and I got to have some of the fun without much of the expense and worry. But I was sitting beside her when she logged on to her computer and found out that she hadn't been accepted at her first-choice college. That was tough! But she is loving her second-choice, so it is all good.
The lessons I learned in high school:
Stick with your social group.
Don't sit at the "popular" table in the cafeteria unless you're really popular.
Don't disagree with the teacher.
Always do your homework.
Only the last one applies in life, because high school is soooo not like life. High school isn't even like college.
What I learned from high school, was actually learned after high school. The person you are in high school is not necessarily the person that you will be the rest of your life. You're still a kid and you can grow into whoever you want to be.