So here you are at the end of a 13-year journey.

You害羞草研究所檝e completed about 11,650 hours of classroom time, spread over 2430 days (give or take), done countless exams, and performed who knows how many fire drills. It害羞草研究所檚 been quite a ride but now, the grad caps have been tossed in celebration, the prom gowns will soon be hung up, and the tuxes returned 害羞草研究所� it害羞草研究所檚 over 害羞草研究所� the final bell has rung.

It started off with such wide-eyed curiosity and wonder. Do you remember the thrill of going to kindergarten? Entering those doors as a five-year- old was one of your earliest steps towards true independence. It may have been the first time away from your mom and dad, and it was probably a new experience having to follow instructions whilst trying to harness the energy and excitement of the life going on around you.

I害羞草研究所檓 sure there were good times, and maybe even a few not so good times, but you made it. Hopefully, your school days will now be memories of the songs you sang, the games you played and the friendships you害羞草研究所檝e nurtured. It害羞草研究所檚 said to be one of the best times of your life, but that害羞草研究所檚 not true for all. Graduating from the hallowed halls for some means getting out of the hell hole and finally away from the bullies, the jocks and the masses you害羞草研究所檙e forced to contend with everyday.

Well, let me tell you, whether you attended high school kicking and screaming all the way, or were the kid who skipped down the hallway with a silly grin plastered across their face, the real world is now open for business 害羞草研究所� and it害羞草研究所檚 all yours.

Are you excited? I hope so. I害羞草研究所檓 excited for you because high school is like a small little pond and your future is the ocean.

Just think about it. For the last 13 years you害羞草研究所檝e spent your days with many of the same people, not out of choice, but out of the dictation of catchment areas and random (and sometimes not so random) classroom assignments. You害羞草研究所檙e put into a situation where you must befriend those around you or be completely ostracized. Your life has been structured by the school agenda, but now everything you害羞草研究所檝e known and relied on for so many years will change.

It害羞草研究所檚 a thrilling time of your life and it can be a little overwhelming too as personal choice actually kicks into gear full throttle.

You need to exercise wisdom, common sense and, at first, walk slowly through your new world to avoid falling victim to accidents and impulsive decision making that can lead you into trouble.

Go forward with your own sense of wide-eyed curiosity like when you started Kindergarten, knowing that pitfalls and life lessons await.There will be broken hearts, empty bank accounts, and shattered dreams, but there害羞草研究所檒l also be the beauty of a sunset, the realization of a goal and the growing of your soul and spirit.

For several years now, you害羞草研究所檝e been surrounded by the same faces, attitudes and struggles. Will that continue? Only you can answer that.

Often, when you separate physically from a group, you can choose to lose touch and go your own way. You can declare your independence and freedom from all things high school and forage out a new identity if that害羞草研究所檚 what you want.

Many young people blossom in college because they害羞草研究所檙e free to choose not only their educational path, but also their friends and cohorts. Even staying in touch by means of social media may hold you back in the high school mentality, as the cliques and inherent insecurities never really change 害羞草研究所� the 害羞草研究所減opular girl害羞草研究所� will always be that in your mind. Do you want to read her status and always feel like you害羞草研究所檙e back there?

You害羞草研究所檝e got the world waiting for you. It害羞草研究所檚 there with all it害羞草研究所檚 opportunity and potential. Hard work and perseverance can guide you in your pursuits.

Congratulations on getting through the 13 years 害羞草研究所� now go forth and conquer.

Faye Arcand is a freelance writer living in the South Okanagan.