HSLP 2010: Day 15, Saturday, July 24

High School Leaders Program Class of 2010
Day 15-Saturday, July 24
Recorded by: Sarah Wooten, Woodbridge

Today as I rolled out of bed at 7:30, I realized that I was in a very confused mood. On the one hand, I was excited to see family and friends, to graduate and to know that I could carry on all the knowledge that I have gained in these precious two weeks with me in the future. I would be leaving with fond memories, wonderful friends, and a newfound appreciation for the University of Virginia. At the same time, I found it somewhat depressing. As I primped for the graduation ceremony and then proceeded to head out the front door with Allison, Maggie, Adam, Holly, and Nikki, we all reached a state of enlightenment, where we stopped and realized that this would our last time walking to The Corner together as students of the High School Leadership Program. If we were ever to come across one another again, the journey would be made as graduates, as alumni.

Once we had stopped by Bodos and Starbucks, we made our way over to the Rotunda where we met up with family and friends. After tripping and spilling my drink on the way into the building, I became aware that none of the friends I had made at Sorensen would be there to laugh at my clumsiness once I returned to Woodbridge. It was a melancholy moment, but there was no use crying over spilled raspberry seltzer; I had a graduation to attend.

The ceremony commenced with Mr. Bob “Bobbledore” Gibson and ended with Ms. April Auger. Each speaker did a phenomenal job; the ceremony was great. I was so glad that we had nominated Logan to speak for us and I was thrilled to see Dr. Palmer again; even though she had been tough on us when she was on the panel, her speech was awe inspiring, accompanied by an amazing slide show. I was a bit disappointed that I was the last person to get my diploma, I suppose I had secretly hoped that when Allison’s name was skipped, they were going to call her last. Still, I was thrilled to receive my diploma; it meant that I had made it, that I was officially an alumni of Sorensen.

My confused mood remained after the end of the ceremony. I was overjoyed to see my parents, but I was crushed that I would be leaving so many wonderful people behind. This experience really opened my eyes about my state, myself, and the world around me. At orientation, we had collected little, arbitrary, ice breaking facts about one another like “someone that has never had braces” or “someone that has lived outside of the United States”. After just fourteen days, I feel that I have gained a deeper understanding for every person that I have encountered at the high school leaders program. I want to thank everyone for contributing to this life changing experience and I hope that Sorensen had as much of an impact on everyone else as it had on me.