On May 26, 2012 my career as a high-school student came to an end. It started bright an early with a trip to the beach to pikai. Returning back to school, we had breakfast, got ready, and then spent our last moments with our juniors. It was such a bittersweet moment. After spending a whole year together, all the laughs, all the arguments, the memories, you start to remember them. It was a great in Papa Lo’i, lots of success in a short period of time.
Before the ceremony starts, we as a class pule one final time before it’s all over. As I look around at the faces of my principle, my kumu, my juniors, and all of us seniors, I immediately become so thankful. First and foremost I had to thank Ke Akua for getting me to the point of graduation. There was a point where graduation was a question, but Ke Akua got me through it. Second I had to thank my sister. The one person who pushed me to get my stuff together and finish, the one person who never gave up on me, and the only person who actually helped me get something done. Next was our kumu. Through our 6-7 years there, no matter how much we made them mad or annoyed they stuck with us and never left. They took roles in our lives as moms, dads, uncles, auntys, siblings, and family. It’s hard to leave family.
But as we made our way up to the stage to start the ceremony, I was ready. I was ready to go through this moment all for us. In 3 quick hours, everything was over. Many tears shed, laughs made, and memories shared. It was a good 3 hours, but an even better 6 years. I’m so incredibly grateful for everyone who came to graduation, for everyone who supported me through the years, and everyone who showed me nothing but love. The “real world” has started, and after years of wanting to grow up, the chance has come and I don’t know if I want it.
