Chasing Bliss

Chapter 1: Gra(n)d Day

Lights flashing.

Crowds cheering.

Photos were taken almost incessantly.

It feels as if we were some bunch of Hollywood artists that were chased down by paparazzi. I wonder how much money they make by taking note each of our steps. Just kidding lol. This is how Britney Spears must have felt when she was trailed down by the media.

We continued walking towards the stage. I was owning it. Modelling across the stage as if it's my own runway. Giving a faint smile and a sweet bow once we reached the center. Well, in a way, you could say that I am Gigi Hadid but with low budget. Really low indeed.

“Today marks a great and wonderful day as we have officially finished one of the most important and memorable stage in our lives; junior high school.” With those opening remarks, students suddenly began to chatter with each other. Probably because it was a slap on their faces that their junior years is over; or maybe because they still cannot believe the fact that they have survived all those years; or simply because they are not yet ready to say their ‘goodbyes’. I can’t blame them. Goodbyes are like pills that are extremely hard to swallow.

“I am completely delighted to be standing in this position on this important event. That excitement however comes with both fear and sadness.” After this statement was said, the audience grew quiet. Even without speaking, their facial reactions scream everything. They wanna know why. I know at the back of their minds, they wanted to hear the rest of the speech. They want to hear more.

All eyes were fixed on stage. Everyone was anticipating for a continuation. Which was given after a long pause.

“Wet hands, trembling knees, and a body covered with cold sweat. That’s definitely me right now.” With that, everybody started to giggle. I mean, who wouldn’t? A fine young girl standing at the center suddenly describing how disgusting she is at the moment. Totally something to laugh about. Quite some tea if you ask me. “I am extremely bothered by the fact that I am now standing here at the center with many audiences whose eyes were fixed on me. It kinda give me the pressure.” The giggles continued. Mostly from students and teachers who knows too much. Social anxiety it seems. Who likes too much attention though? Doesn’t it annoy you when everybody’s spectating you? Watching you do whatever you are doing. Feels as if they’re waiting for you to mess up. But I don’t think that’s the case this time. Hmm.

“As well, it deeply makes me sad that we finished this school year too soon. Which means,” Giggles have stopped and sadness is now evident in every student’s faces. “we have to bid our farewells.” Snap. Some were already teary-eyed. Some were looking up. Trying their best not to cry. Others however, were holding tissues and placing it near their eye. I hope that doesn’t ruin their makeups which were fixed for almost forever. The saddest part I think is when my eyes laid off to those who were intertwining their fingers and holding their hands. I hope it was tight enough to not let anyone go. I said what I said. Goodbyes really are pills that are hard to swallow.

“I know it would be a big adjustment for everyone of us. Going to school without seeing those who we used to see for many years. Going to eat in a cafeteria without our friends who used to eat beside us. I know it suck but I also know that there is something bigger waiting for us. And I know we are all brave enough to face it. I know that for whatever lies out there, we can all face it with our heads held high.” I guess that encouragement went really well. Good enough to touch someone’s heart and make them cry. Your makeup artists would be really happy, I assure you all.

“However, despite that trembling and sadness that I feel, there is also part of me that is happy. Of course, standing in this position on this very special day is one thing because standing here today is a proof that I, Amara Crolls, have given the best that I can to make all of this happen. All those stressful days and sleepless nights finally paid off. But, do you know what makes me happier? It is because I get to stand here and see all of you sitting with your togas on and diplomas in your hands. I’m like a proud parent watching you all take a step forward to your dreams.” It’s really something to be proud off, right? All your friends and colleagues sitting there, wearing big smiles, heads held high. It’s like they have already won the battlefield.

“Everyone took a different path. Some chose not to continue studies and just work, some chose to move to a different city to pursue their college dreams, and some chose to remain in this city but take their higher education in different schools. Regardless of what your choice is, may God give you the knowledge you need and the courage to take the step forward.”

Long minutes of sharing some experiences and perspectives, the speech is almost ending. So is the ceremony.

“To those who believes that I can, thank you. And for those who always doubted me, I want to sincerely thank you to. Your doubt and uncertainties have challenged me to exceed what I am yesterday and give my best today. It gave me the perspective I need to chase my dream and prove you wrong. I am my best version today because of you all. So, for this batch, I wanted you all to change the negative into positive. No one’s going to believe you if you doubt yourself too. After all, success is the biggest backslap anyone could give. With that, I wish you all a good luck. Let’s keep up our good work. God bless us all.”

With that, everyone started clapping and some were shouting. Some stood up and soon, everyone else followed.

Including me.