Stressed-Out Grad

Today was graduation day and that day is pretty stressful for most people. Your friends and family come so you have to make sure you look good, that you don't trip across the stage, and even making sure you turn the tassle around the corner of the hat. I worried about all of those things, but there were even more things that happened that added unneeded stress to the day.

The stress started before the big day when I found out I was valedictorian and had to prepare a speech. Writing a speech is no problem, but presenting it is another thing altogether. I am not the greatest speaker in the world. Especially if I have to present in ASL since I am not the greatest signer in the world either.  I practice that speech avidly with my public speaking class (thank you, Vicki and Cal!), ASL specialist, and the interpreters as well. I'm going to be speaking in front of the governer of New Mexico so my speech better be written and presented pretty damn well.

Then comes graduation day. I am so nervous, I don't eat breakfast. I want to make sure I don't forget anything. Especially my earplugs and valedictorian sash. My family leaves at 7:30 and halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, I realize that I forgot my sash. Smooth move, Paige. Pancho says that we can't go back and get it since I have to be at school at a certain time. I have the brilliant idea of calling my dad and asking him to bring it with him on his way up, which he was able to do.

Later, I'm in a back room with the graduates and I'm pacing across the floor I'm so nervous. My stomache is growling and a guy from a newspaper is interviewing all of us. I give halfhearted answers since my mind is preoccupied with my speech and sash and food and aaaaah!!!!!

Luckily, the governer is late so graduation is delayed a little bit and the principal comes rushing in right before we go walking into the auditorium with my sash. I later found out that there was construction on I-25 and the road closed for an hour about ten minutes after my dad drove through. Luck was apparently on my side today.

We all walk into the auditorium and sit down. Dr. Stern, the superintendent, welcomes all of us and then it's time for the salutatorian address. My friend and future roommate in college did a wonderful job and after her, it's my turn...

And my speech surprisingly went well. I only made one minor, undetectable mistake. My job is done and relief floods into me. Pancho speaks after me and he gave a wonderful speech. He cried so I almost cried and I think a lot of people cried during that speech.

The governer is up next and gave another great speech. She even quoted my poem in her speech so that was kind of cool. A celebrity likes my writing! Yay!

The rest of the graduation ensues and soon I am finished with high school. Finished. Just knowing that sent another wave of relief through me.

The rest of the day was filled with lots of hugs and goodbyes as well as a lot of laughter at a post-graduation BBQ.

I will miss NMSD. I had a great five years there and it's definitely a place I owe a lot of gratitude to. If I ever come back to New Mexico, it will be to visit NMSD because there's no way anyone could ever get me to come back unless someone dies or gets married.

So yeah. Today was a pretty stressful day, but it was definitely a memorable one that will replay over and over in my mind even when I'm old and have Alzheimers...

Congratulations Class of 2012. We did it. :-)