Graduation is in three days, and I know I’m supposed to be excited, but it’s hard to feel that way when I’m so nervous about life after school. I’m ready for this chapter of my life to close, yet that anxious feeling won’t go away. I feel overwhelmed, nervous, and excited all at once.

Letting go of school is scary because it has been my routine for so many years. It feels strange to know I won’t be in that consistent environment anymore. Leaving school feels like stepping into the unknown. I worry that I’ll lose my connections to my closest friends. I know it’s bound to happen over time, but I’m not ready to face that. I also feel anxious about making new decisions for myself without knowing if they’re the right ones. It’s difficult to move on when I’ve become so accustomed to the way things are now. A part of me wishes I didn’t have to grow up and could just stay in this moment forever. However, I also understand, deep down, that I’m ready for this change.

I may be scared and unsure, but I know I am ready to see where life takes me. As much as I want to hold on and never let go, I realize that letting go is a part of growing up, and just because I’m scared doesn’t mean I’m not prepared for what comes next. Change is hard, but I know that I will be just fine. I’m leaving behind a place that has shaped me into the person I am today, as well as friendships and bonds that have meant the world to me, and a version of myself that I’ve outgrown. But now, a whole new beginning awaits me.

I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel unsure and to have mixed emotions about leaving high school, but I shouldn’t be afraid to grow or to face my future. I may not have all the answers, but I’ve come a long way from the scared freshman I once was. I’ve grown in so many ways during high school that I never expected, and I know I will continue to grow from here. Although I might feel uncertain about life after high school, I am ready to face the ups and downs.