For Jeanine,

Today you were supposed to be the one wearing heels and I would be wearing chucks. Not that it would really matter for us, honestly. Regardless, you’re still officially graduating today.

You’ve got an exam to pass and then a plane to catch and as soon as you land, you’ll be walking on your own road. It feels strange at first, but once you realise that every day you’re getting closer and closer to your final goal it’s amazingly empowering. A young person who had the opportunity to discover their true self in high school can only become an awesome young adult at uni.

For all my friends graduating today,

The graduation ceremony and the prom are just some passing moments. You have memories that are far more valuable than that. They say high school is the best time of your life. It’s not. Any time can be the best. Part of the best has come and more of the best is yet to come.

I hope you will all find the road that suits you best. Don’t be scared to try, fail and try again. Ask questions and keep your mind open to feedback. Everything will be as it should.

Good luck and success, everyone!

**The picture was taken by V last year on my graduation ceremony. He is a visionary.