Holding On

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Leilany K. Pérez Gierbolini
Professor Inglés
INGL3103-022
11 September 2024
Holding On
“Graduation it’s not the end; it’s the beginning” by Senator Orrin Hatch.
Graduation is the day in your life you will never forget. On this day you make your
family, friends and teachers proud. As a teenager there is a day that hits you hard with
reality. Mine was an unforgettable graduation full of nostalgia. Spending time with all
my peers and their families was the greatest activity of the whole year.
Suddenly, the morning of June, 4 of 2024 arrived. It was a morning I will never
forget. When I woke up, I could not believe that the day that was most talked about
during the whole senior year had arrived. First thing I did was to go into my mom’s
bedroom and lay in bed with her for a while. Then the moment of getting ready arrived I
was filled with all types of emotions seeing my dress and gown being ironed. My sister
did my makeup, and my mom did my hair. Then when we were all ready, we got in the
car to go to my graduation in Cayey. On the way to the venue, we met with my dad,
uncle and cousin who are special to me.
By the time we all arrived, which that was like an hour and half before, we were
already a little late. Now let me explain why, we were supposed to take photos before
the ceremony and practice our entrance. At that time, I got a little overwhelmed because
instantly they separated the seniors from their families. Also, I was nervous because I
had to give a speech in front of everyone about the dedication of the graduation to one
of my teachers.
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Seeing my friends all in graduation gowns was emotional, but we were together and
created a safe place.
Now, let’s talk about the graduation and all that happened in it. Firstly, my peers
and I had to walk in while everyone applauded us. That moment was exciting seeing
everyone smiling but teary, especially your family. Now, they gave a reflection and the
typical start of a graduation and then called me to give my speech. I felt like I was going
to die, but in the end, I pulled myself together and did it well. My teacher was emotional
because of the gesture and the speech. Also, his family was backstage to surprise him at
the moment of his dedication. Then the awards were given. I was called in the last
round with academic excellence they gave us a portrait with the graduation logo and the
medals for each class. Let me tell you that the portrait was heavy, and he had to take it
to our seats and go down the stairs while being in heels. Lastly, in my school they give
an award called “El Premio Rafael Pont Flores”. An award that is only given to one
person, but this year they made an exception and gave this award to seven persons. To
my surprise it was my friend group. Therefore, we shared the award, we were happy to
be all in the same stage together. Lastly, the moment everyone has been waiting for the
graduation, declaring us official graduates. That moment was the best of all, turning the
tassels and throwing your graduation caps felt so much. Thinking about it now feels so
nostalgic and so far away.
Afterwards, by the end of the graduation we had planned a graduation dinner
with all the seniors and their families. Being all together for the last time in who knows
what time felt sad, but we all tried to put it away and enjoy the moment. We all ate in
the same table and spent the most time possible together. Let me tell you the food was
amazing. At least I thought that or was it the hunger? I do not know, but I enjoyed it.
Now, the best part arrived they had prepared for us a karaoke. That was so much fun
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singing old or heartbreaking songs while our families watched us. We were a small
class. We were only 20, but we were so close. We have been together in the same
classroom since middle school. Saying goodbye was hard, realizing the next time I was
going to be in a classroom it was not going to be with them, but it is a necessary change
to grow into an independent person.
Graduation is not the end; it was a hard statement to comprehend at that time.
But now is clearer is a change needed in life. Now I see it as making other friends, not
leaving them behind and strengthening those relationships with my family. Making
myself independent in each possible way, praying that at the end I make it and that it
was all worth it. In life sometimes, you need closure to be ready for the next chapter.
Now the real question, are you ready?

Holding On

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Pérez 1

Leilany K. Pérez Gierbolini

uncle and cousin who are special to me.

created a safe place.

nostalgic and so far away.

Afterwards, by the end of the graduation we had planned a graduation dinner

to grow into an independent person.

Now the real question, are you ready?

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