Personal Narrative Essay

Everyone in high school looks forward to graduation day; however, I was not looking forward to it. I hate being in any form of spot light. For a lot of people, graduating from high school is a goal that took many years to achieve and they like to be acknowledged for it. Graduation marks the end of high school and the beginning of a new independent life for all. I asked my parents if I could skip the ceremony, but they made me walk with my class. By being forced to face my fears, graduation day was one of the most exciting, yet scariest events I survived.

I remember the moments leading up to graduation and the fear I had worked up. I walked into the school and all the way down to the end of the hallway where my peers were lining up as we had practiced the Tuesday before. As the ceremony

Waiting in line to walk up to the stage, I could only think about how my gown looked and wished for it to all be over. As my time to walk across the stage drew near, things were beginning to look up. I told myself, “I can do this.” All of the sudden, I heard my name over the loud speaker; it’s the only time I had ever heard “Christopher Chadwick James Harper” over a loud speaker. I was now approaching the center of the stage to shake Miss Horrocks hand and hoping this would be over with soon. As I walked across the remainder stage, there was an instant release of stress off my shoulders. I now felt a sense of pride instead of fear. I stopped for my picture in front of the American flag then went back to my seat. Sitting in my seat watching the remaining students receive their diplomas, I realized this was a day to be proud of, not a day to fear. After the ceremony concluded we all met up with our parents and friends outside. I had a total moment of realization that real life was about to begin and there will be many other things in life I will fear and will be able to