“Woo Hoo!” I squeal excitedly. Tear droplets cascade down my cheeks that blush a crimson pink against my creamy toffee complexion. Has it been ten years of school? Ten years! My twinkling smile over powers my tears of mirth. The traditional maroon gown and cap I wear at this very moment symbolizes a sense of accomplishment as an alumnus of my beloved school, Ventnor Educational Community Complex. Everyone has a Life Book and this is the beginning of a new chapter. I just cannot help but think to myself, “What a wonderful world.” We all rise ceremoniously to sing a meaningful song and it floods back into me, like a gushing volcano at Pompeii.

“Welcome to Preschool Trisa! You will have great times in here!” Mrs. Walsh, my preschool teacher chimed to me as I entered the vibrant room that smelled like freshly bought crayons and new toys that just wanted to be fiddled with. Mrs. Walsh was a wonderful teacher. She had kind terra-cotta colored eyes, a magical smile and honey hair. Her cheeks always held a fuchsia tone blush to her cheeks. Preschool. The memorable old days where it was all about finger painting and naptimes. The good old days where I actually enjoyed school and homework was a coloring worksheet.

Before I could recall anything else the recognizable tune sounded from the piano melodiously. The right sharp key struck and we all began to simultaneously sing from the bottom of our hearts. Some of them were singing on the wrong key. Others were too soprano. A few just lip synced, but it really did not matter since that was us. Grandeur applause roared from the audience like a delighted lion that ate his meal. We take our seats and silence shadows over the Benjamin Brick Auditorium. Mr. Baker steals the podium and commences the speech. My focus does not divert from him as I wholeheartedly listen to his speech. His raven hair was sleeked back by gel. His face holds a content grin with his glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. Mr. Baker wore an attire of a pinstriped navy blue suit with a white shirt underneath. A cerulean tie compliments the whole outfit.

“Years have passed but we are here to learn!” Mr. Baker rambled. The cloak of drowsiness did not strike me as h spoke to the audience with a motivational tone. Finally, Mr. Baker began to pronounce the names of each student or should I say almost-alumni.

“Jafrin Ahmed” He bellowed into the microphone. Jafrin, my best friend, stood up and strode over to the podium. Her red gown swayed as she walked and her straight hair flowed. Her humdrum expression was replaced with a unique smile that she scarcely used. It made me smile too and give her the thumbs- up gesture as she walked past me on the promenade. She accepted the diploma and I heard her almost inaudible squawk. Before I knew it, my name was called down after numerous names and my heart skipped a few beats. My hands trembled and I prepare to wince at the thought of Mr. Baker pronouncing my name wrong… again after four years of Middle School!

“Trisa Chakraborty.” Mr. Baker announces loudly and confidently. Relief washed over me at the pronunciation of my name. My name sounded flawless. I head a thunderous applaud coming from the audience and a few whooping whistles. I stood up and sauntered toward Mr. Baker, carrying my accustomed simper. I firmly shook my principal’s hand and accepted my diploma. As I glided back to my seat, praying a mantra to myself so that I don’t skedaddle across the stage, I felt a warm glow in my stomach that was like a triumphant victory. Flashes of Sony Cameras appeared from parents in the audience with big beaming smiles. Finally, the closings were given and the Class of 2013 was escorted down the stage and towards the cafeteria for refreshments as the music was playing an entrancing minuet. We walked out of the double doors and I saw my mother at the entrance greeting me with a grin. She grabbed the scroll of paper and motioned me to shoo and she conversed with other parents. I give her a skeptical look and walk away. I take off my gown exposing my graduation dress. It was white with vibrant floral patterns scattered all around it. It was like a bouncy skirt with pleats on it as well. I found a few of my friends discussing a graduation party.

“Why don’t we have it at your house Bianca?” Megan quipped. We all bobbed our heads in unison. We all were engaged in a chat about summer plans when realization hit me. That moment, I could not help but feel reluctant to leave… to leave it all and never be able to look back. I saw my mom’s tedious grin and my father’s beaming eyes. My friends were guffawing on a joke that Nathan, a usual jokester mentioned. I tuned it all out. How could I leave them? It seems inevitable. Incomprehensible. Although some of these kids are people that I seldom greet with formalities and most of them were just platonic friends, but at this point they seem much more. I was utterly stupefied. I felt like a wandering puppy. My distraught thoughts were interrupted by my mother and father urging me to take pictures. I posed with my family as we clicked memories that would be stashed away in an album. My mind was far away from all of this. I attempted not to think about it so much and placed my attention on my friends and family.

There is always a departure to an arrival. Those two words are fraternal twins with opposite meanings. After the party in the cafeteria, we were all bidding goodbye to our teachers and friends. I was hugging a dozen of my classmates urging them to call me, text me, or just keep in touch. I met up with Jafrin and Kaitlynn, two of my best friends waiting for near the entrance doors. Jafrin was back to her usual scowl and crossed arms. Her hair was sleek and brownish black. Her complexion was the color of toast. She wore a dress that day that was charcoal black with a big ivory colored belt accenting the whole outfit. She saw me approaching her and gave a big goofy grin. Kaitlynn was also standing there is a pale pink dress and white Mary Jane flats. Her champagne hair was cropped right above her shoulders and tied together with a rhinestone beret. I roll my eyes and smile back at the both of them standing there.

“So I am seeing you tomorrow right?” Jafrin questions me. I nod my head grinning in approval. All three of us walk out of those red doors in slow motion. As soon as we step out of the V.E.C.C front door entrance, we jump up in the air in a High School Musical position and squeal in excitement. At that moment I felt like the whole world froze for us. We were infinite. Before I leave I hug all my friends and inform my mom that I want to walk home. She shrugs her shoulders and urges me to “Shoo away.”


The weather was gorgeous. The sun smiled upon us from the stratus white clouds. The sun had a brilliant radiance to it and it bathed us with warmth. As we strolled I twirled around and jumped up in down in vivacity. The weather is perfect, and I just graduated. What could go wrong?

We all chatted and gossiped as we walked the familiar path to home. Sometimes, I detested treading this route on those rainy, frosty days where I had to no ride to hitch. Now, it felt great and normal. The way it should always be.

I felt like the summer would end lickety-split just to be back in this school and seeing all those familiar faces that I am accustomed to. Too bad this was reality. After summer ends, I will be in a foreign school with an unorthodox environment. I am going to Ocean City High School, where I know two people. Only two. I hear a siren shrill near my ears and once again I was back to the real world.

“Trisa, did you hear me?” Kaitlynn was exclaiming right into my left ear. I looked at her with a dazed expression. She rolls her eyes and repeats what she had previously said.

“So I was saying that we should all like go grab ice cream at Sun Daze.” We all agree simultaneously. Who knew time flew by so fast? We reached my house and I said bye to my friends entering my home with a different feeling.

Upon stepping into my home, I recline on my leather sofa and swap out my phone. I start uncontrollably clicking on the touch pad trying to text and go on social networks. I start tweeting silly tweets like, “Miss you guys already” on Twitter. I continuously started reading tweets about the blur of excitement over going to Atlantic City High school and I felt so forlorn. Not only did I not want to move on but I did not want to go to Ocean City High school anymore. I did not want to go far away from the close friends I accumulated these past l0 years of school at the V.E.C.C. A fear grasped me in a strong grip. I was unable to move.

Millions of questions shot out me like a dodge ball game. What if they forget me? Will they keep in touch? Will they have more fun? I did not want to go to Ocean City High school. NO no no! What is a solution to this dilemma? Nothing. There is no solution. I am just stuck. Unable to make a choice…unable to live with change. So what would I do? Just back out of Ocean City High school and go to Atlantic City High school, neglecting all the new opportunities and privileges that I am receiving? I am aware that change is good, but it is not easy. If half of my school population does not care, why should I? Statistics from New York Times magazine states that only 17% of high school students keep in touch with their former classmates. If I do abandon Ocean City High school, would I be able to accept that I could have had a new experience? My train of thoughts seems to have no destination; it will just go on and on and on. I fling my phone across the room, making it catapult into my laundry basket filled with dirty clothing and odorous socks.

The door squeaks open as my family steps in. They grin and laugh and laud me over my accomplishments. I nod my head and glumly agree with them. My mom senses my sullen tone and calls me over to the kitchen to chat with me. I slump onto the seat of the island bar and stare at my mom allowing my eyes to interpret the story.

“I know how you feel.” My mom says, attempting to console me. I look at her in a distraught way and exasperatedly throw my hands up in the air.

“I do not know what to do anymore.” I explain. She considers my words and after several pauses begins to speak.

“Look, you have to go grab opportunities. This is a totally new chance for you. Where the atmosphere is different and new but it will be good. You will always carry the memories of your old friends but also have new ones to cherish.” I take in my mom’s words and sigh heavily. She was obviously right. I have to try this and I will. I return to my living room and grab the remote switching on the Toshiba Flat Screen television. ABC Family channel is previewing “Toy Story”, one of my favorite Disney movies since I was little. I was watching the part where Buzz Light-year commands, “To infinity and beyond!” That is exactly what I will do…Keep on going beyond my barriers.
Epilogue

The summer flies by faster than a soaring hummingbird. It stealthily slithers by and you never realize it. One day. One day before high school begins. The summer was filled with great adventures, moments, and laughter that I will never forget. Never ever forget. A new door opens in 12 hrs and I felt so feverish. I already packed my schoolbag a month ahead and finalized my attire as well. I will be wearing a flowing turquoise cardigan with a white tank top underneath. I will accent that with silver earrings and wear my new plaid flats. This had become a ritual for me before school begins. It is like a perk that I will always carry around in my pocket. This is different… but for the best. I cannot wait until the first day of Ocean City High school. “Woohoo!” I exclaim as I think about my new chapter in my Life Book.