Our caps flew like confetti.
Thank god I customized mine.
I'll keep it as a memento of all-nighters,
friendships formed in the academic trenches,
dismissive professors and group-project-tortures.

This isn’t another ‘drunk girl’ holiday, despite obvious similarities.
Our parents, sisters, brothers, and grandmothers are here.

We came in doe-eyed, holding overpriced planners,
and enough provisions for two year Mars missions.
We hoped to discover friends, decent Wi-Fi signals
and perhaps our adult selves.

Now we're holding diplomas, those future-proofing talismans.
Mine’s in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.
Which is wry, because when I was in high school,
my sister accused me of not knowing how to boil water.

I've been asked "What’s next?" a thousand times in the last month.
I have plans—but I was dying to shrug and say, “that’s tomorrow’s problem,” like I’ve spent major duckets, degree wise, but remain the ditzy blonde.
The standard graduate answer, I’ve heard, is "I dunno."
(though honestly, it’s a great answer).

Congratulations, all of you graduating overachievers out there—everywhere.
Go forth, be fabulous and find that next big dream.
Can you believe we actually did this?
Argh! I gotta go, someone wants another picture.
.
.
Songs for this:
What Dreams Are Made Of by Evann McIntosh
Summer Wind by Robert Mosci
Tomorrow by Wings

May you be guarded by Grace and wings made of light
beside a gentle prayer, filled with God's might !
May life be a journey of knowledge and pure delight
as you walk the path of love, may you be given sight

May your days be courageous lived out to the best
and if you get tired, give your heart some rest
May you be  brave as a soldier in this life of gest
know you're being watched from an Angel's nest

May you be accepted and favored just as you are  
reside in the knowledge that to God you're a star
May you trust in the One who holds the handlebar
if you  drive towards Him, ... you'll surely go far    

Like the Angels of heaven with wings made of light,  
like Angels of the Lord who hold vigor in their flight.

Ocean waves crashing in as
they hit the shore
Crisp, clear air
Bright blue sky
Sandy colored beaches decorated
with remnants of shells
Faint sounds of birds flying overhead
Calming feelings arrive to soothe
Stillness fills the moment
Peace arrives
The body relaxes
Mother Nature’s art

I don’t care about dying
I don’t even feel this life is mine
I just want a restart
To get it right this time

I wish I were born again
Back in 1982
So, I could erase my mistakes
And do the things I didn’t do

I wonder what it would be like
Living from my guitar
Singing songs from my heart
Travelling under the stars

Now I’m bolted to an office chair
Enclosed by partition walls
Losing my graying hair
Tormented by phone calls

I wish I were born again
Back in 1982
So, I could erase my mistakes
And do the things I didn’t do

I should’ve never let go
Those deep emerald eyes
That sunny smile that shone
So beautifully under blue skies

Now, I’m hiding in the kitchen
Pursued by my two ex-wives
Running around like a chicken
While dodging flying knives

I wish I were born again
Back in 1982
So, I could erase my mistakes
And do the things I didn’t do

Some of us are lucky
To be by a golden bucket of peace
It’s calming
It brings a feeling of beatitude
When we immerse ourselves
We can lose our daily troubles
Slipping into a special place
Of safety
Of belonging
Of familiarity
It’s a place one doesn’t want to leave
Ever
Have you found yours?
Treasure it
It’s precious
It’s rare
Believe
In possibilities
Light up the world