I Almost Didn’t Attend My Own Graduation

Graduation brings back so many great memories for me, which is surprising considering I wasn’t even planning to attend my own.

At the time, I was dating “Adventure Guy,” who was three years older than me, and the idea of going to grad without him felt strange. Looking back, it seems silly, but it felt important then.

Everything changed when a friend became ill and asked if I would attend in her place. Of course, I couldn’t say no. That left me with just one week to find a dress.

The Last Minute Graduation Dress

I must have tried on dozens of frocks before realizing that the perfect solution was a pattern and some fabric.

Thankfully, my mom, an accomplished seamstress, whipped up a charming dress in a matter of days. Problem solved! Feeling extremely pleased with myself, I just needed a few accessories, and soon enough, Cinderella was ready for the ball.

Realizing What I Had Missed in High School

The evening went better than I had expected.

In fact, I had a moment where I found myself wishing I had spent more time with my classmates, enjoying high school life, and less time being someone’s girlfriend.

I shook my head, realizing just how much had been happening around me that I’d been oblivious to. It was as if high school had passed me by, and I was trying to catch up in a single evening.

A Memorable Grad Night at Prospect Point

In true Cinderella fashion, as midnight approached, our entire graduating class dispersed, cramming into limos and heading to Prospect Point, a popular lookout in Stanley Park.

It was a chaotic mix of mingling teenagers and another graduating class from a West Vancouver high school—there must have been over 900 people there. It was both crazy and exciting.

As I stood alone, a boy from another school approached me.“

How are you? Glad to be done with school?”

“Of course!” I replied.

We ended up talking for awhile, chatting as if we’d known each other forever. He was a nice boy, though I wish I could remember his name—Mike? Mikey? He had this infectious excitement about the future and the night ahead.

The Words I Never Forgot

Eventually, it was time to part ways.

“Nice to meet you, he said, have a GREAT life!”

I doubt he knew how much his words would mean to me.

He was just a new friend, someone I’d never see again, but his enthusiasm and genuineness left a lasting impression.

It was the highlight of my night—words from a stranger that I can’t fully explain, maybe it was the emotions running high, or perhaps too much champagne, but I remember that moment vividly, and it has stayed with me ever since.

Watching My Son Prepare for Graduation

Fast forward to today. My younger son will be graduating from high school in a few weeks.

Like many parents, I’m both happy and sad—these are exciting times, for sure.

Recently, he was nominated by his classmates as valedictorian. I was over the moon with excitement for him. Naturally, he quickly downplayed it, telling me there weren’t many students in the running. Whether he realizes it or not, it’s an incredible honour. I’m not sure it has fully resonated with him yet.

What Makes a Great Valedictorian Speech?

I can’t help but wonder how he’ll address his graduating class and what his words of wisdom will be.

Will he talk about the fun times they shared, how science was tough, and math was even tougher?

Maybe he’ll mention how F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn’t his favourite, but he actually enjoyed Shakespeare. Or perhaps he’ll reflect on the New Zealand rugby tour and the great season they had.

Whatever he chooses, I know he’ll be on point and reflect in his own unique way (even though I’m dying to help him).

Graduation Memories Are Really About People

When I think back on my own graduation, it’s not the dress, the limousine, or even the ceremony that stands out most.

It’s a brief conversation with a stranger.

There’s so much to reminisce about. Friendships, connections, and unexpected moments are at the heart of it all—after all, there would be no memories, no laughter, and no stories without them. These are the moments that stay with us and become the stories we tell for years to come.

I often think about my chance meeting with that young man from Grad night and his kind words.  

If I could find him today, I’d tell him this:

It’s been a GREAT life.

LC

xo