Cosmetology: A Short Story

My alarm begins to bark in my ear as I open my eyes to see the bright screen of my phone reading 6:05. I struggle to move from my bed while playing tug of war with my sheets. Today is the morning of graduation rehearsal, today is the start of one of the longest yet most fulfilling weeks of my life. For the past four years of my life I have been sketching out a blueprint on how I plan to build my future. Going to college, becoming a teacher and aiding those to build their paths.

Lucky I survived finals weeks. I slaved over a four page essay for my English class pouring my heart and soul into a "Final Lecture" type of format. I performed a written and practical exam for my cosmetology class. The most dreadful of them all, Common Core

The lobby was more congested than usual filled with classmates I have not seen in months. All the students quickly file into a single doorway and then start seating themselves. The staff picking student one by one in alphabetical order than arranging us into groups. We started the practice for the final page of our high school careers, standing up and sitting down in sync then listening to the orders we must follow the day of. As soon as we are dismissed by row we are then given our caps, gowns, and if you worked hard enough a tassel. I myself was not too sure if I would be handed my advanced regents diploma tassel. Walking up to be awarded with my gown I was anxious. When I was handed my envelope and quickly disappointed to see it did not contain my tassel. Walking down the turf field my faced looked to the ground with dread. While I was drowning in self pity and regret I heard a voice calling for my name. As I looked up my guidance counselor, Mrs. Mathews, was walking towards me her face was bright with excitement. Mrs. Mathews was shouting to me how I had passed and how proud she was that I would be awarded with my advanced regents diploma. Hugging me she congratulated me on my