Dear Class of 2023,

For those of you reading this in fear and panic that you haven’t had your personal peak yet, fear not. The best is yet to come. You will become beauty, grace, and everything in between. You are the example in which future generations will base themselves from. You too, will relish the moment you find yourself in, and it will be infinite, but it isn’t now. Slow down, take a breath. You’re almost at the end towards the beginning of your new chapter. Take it from me when I say that you don’t have to have everything figured out at this point in your life. I was once in your position. Panicking trying to figure out my next endeavors. No need to rush trying to find your purpose in life right now. You still have much to do, much to learn, and more blessings to encounter. I pray that you will find yourself doing the thing you love in a place you love and hopefully you can do it all while returning to the person you love at the end of the day only to be able to greet them again the next morning. Your time will come.

As for you, high school, I leave you now with the sentiment that I will change myself from the version of myself you have made me. No more waking up at 6 am and rushing to get to the nearest Starbucks before everyone else does. Now I get to make my own decisions, hopefully wise ones. I get to explore the world around me, and enjoy the little things in life. I now get to get out of my own comfort zone. I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that the only way to grow is to experience new things. As this is a bittersweet moment, I am beyond excited to take the things you have taught me and apply them to my new journey. I will continue to cherish those you have given me the pleasure of having in my life, but hopefully I can move on from all the things bad, ugly and in between. 

Sincerely,

Elyse Harris