'End of the Road' - Class of 2011 Departs, Leaves Behind Memories, Insight

Putting all sappy graduation cliches beside (alluding to the over-used "throw your caps into the future"-esque phrases), I am genuinely upset to see the Class of 2011 leave . I have spent the last three years of my life looking up to these people, and while most have told me that they will do their best to keep in touch, we both understand that it's just an attempt to savor one last glimmer of hope in replacement of a soon-to-be broken friendship. Regardless of cruelty, it is just another harsh reality of life. People move on. People do better things.

It's hard to imagine that I'll be in the same situation next year: saying "goodbye" to childhood, saying "hello" to a new life. But some embrace it. Exiting senior Jon Sexauer, when asked about his thoughts regarding a 12-year chapter of his life coming to an end, pointed me to a quote from an upcoming novel:

"Consumed within her own thoughts, she did not notice the bell had rung, and as a result, she was startled at the loud noise that interrupted her thoughts," Sexauer said, reciting a line from The Aerorers. "Basically, the sudden close of 12 years in schooling brings a large shock to my life, and it will take a few weeks to know how I really feel about it. But it is my aim to look back without regrets and look toward the future."

But how can we look favorably upon the future when the past is so appealing? Even though some teenagers have jobs and pay taxes, there aren't nearly as many responsibilities to attend to in high school as there are in the "real" world. After graduating and losing all prior dependability, wouldn't you regret your appreciation towards your toddler and young-adult years?

"I personally try to appreciate every aspect of life, and I try to take it as it comes," Morgan Stadelman said. "If I had regrets on how I have lived so far, I’d only be wasting this part of my life by putting too much emphasis on a great stage of my life that has already passed."

Let's face it. We are still children, most of us unprepared to be independent. You can't expect any 18-year-old to make the immediate transition from high-school student to adult during a quick summer break. Of course, there is always the option to take a "gap year," or a year off before heading to a university campus. According to an article by MSNBC last year, statistics show that that trend is steadily growing in popularity.

"I'm basically a year younger than everyone, so I feel like I'm just not ready to hit college and all of that good stuff," Wade Wiseman said. "Plus, I just want to take a year off to work and play with my band. After that, I plan on attending either a trade school or The Art Institute to pursue my passion for the arts."

Matthew Danko, on the other hand, is taking no time off. Come August, he will be attending Point Park University to major in cinema production. In addition to mentioning his aspirations to become a motion-picture director, he has a tip for incoming freshmen.

"To the members of the Class of 2015, this is for you: Always be yourself," Danko said. "Even when there's certain things and obstacles in the way, always be yourself in anything you do."

So, Class of 2011, thanks for being there for us underclassmen. I leave you with this: Here is a song from the year 1992, when some of you were born. Boyz II Men won the Grammy for "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" for that song, and now, graduates, the song is a gateway for your reflection. Remember, it's not the "End of the Road" but the start of a new beginning.

*Baldwin High School's graduation ceremony will be held tonight, Tuesday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m.*