Finally Over

And so today (err, yesterday, since it's past midnight) concludes a significant chapter in my life. Until today, I had never realized what a big deal graduation could be. When I watched the ceremony last year (from the back...grr, no ticket), it looked like just another assembly, with an endless line of emotionless students shuffling through the stage to pick up a worthless piece of paper.

But today, it became clear. Graduation was a wonderful experience, and sent multiple chills down my spine. The performance by Eric and Carissa was truly breathtaking, and nearly made me cry. I'm not one to easily shed tears, but today was seriously something I had never experienced before. Today, I learned to let go. Because true strength is measured not by holding on, but by letting go.

The valedictorian speeches may be the only speech I ever listen to that causes me to be so alert as I was today. Thanks for that wonderful trip down memory lane, valedictorians. It was awesome being able to relate to all these memories, while everyone else around us had no idea what was being said. I LOVE YOU CLASS OF 2008. HOWWWWL WOLVES.

The fireworks display was simply amazing. Who cares that it didn't come close to equaling the pompousness of the CHS fireworks that was audible even from my house? Who cares that Coldplay's Viva La Vida didn't appear even once in the background? (I still think that song should've been played) It was the sentiment, the memories, everything we've been through these past 6 (or for some, 4) years together. The fireworks was simply a symbol that magnified all of this.

I went to In-N-Out afterwards with Alejanzz, David, Gary, Justin Sy, Richard, and Alan Kim (because everyone else freaking left by the time I was done taking pictures). I ate a 3x3 as well as animal style fries for the first time ever. It was, honestly, a great experience!

Tomorrow, I shall wake up as a Whitneyite no longer. I will not be a member of the Almighty Class of 2008 Wolves, but rather the USC Trojans Class of 2012. The people I have grown to love and cherish can no longer be considered by classmates, but they are still my friends. And they always will be.

As I open my world for boundless exploration, I leave my fellow seniors my undying pride to be a wolf. The small size of our class has produced an unparalleled sense of unity, which I could especially feel during that final ID practice (see entry from May 25, 2008). I love all of you. Thanks for all the memories. Thanks for being the greatest class that this school has ever seen. OH WHAAAT? OH EIGHT!

Final notes:
Ong ("grandpa" in Viet), thanks for being there. I know you've wanted to see my graduation for the longest time, and here we are. I'm glad you were able to see me begin this transition from high school student to college student.
Eric, thanks for the final (for now) hugs. They meant so much to me, and never before have I felt so close to you.
Regina, thanks for being so proud of me. Technically, this ceremony wasn't that big of a deal. I mean, yes, it's so sentimental, but all I had to do to get here was to last 6 years at this school. Yet, the happiness I saw in your eyes was just indescribable. To be continued in your yearbook.

Oh, one more. Justin T, I may never see you with a camera in hand again. Ever again. ATTENTION, HE'S CREATING A BLOG RIGHT NOW.