Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Graduation (08/30/04)
TITLE: NEW BEGINNINGS By Theresa Knight 09/06/04 |
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND |
First comes the graduation from kindergarten. Oh how cute the children are in their little caps and gowns. I can still vividly see my niece, Lindsay, carefully and seriously walking up to get her Kindergarten diploma. She was dressed in white and her curly long brown hair fell to her shoulders underneath her white cap. Kindergarten graduates are no longer toddlers, but are more grown and ready for elementary school. For them, the next twelve years of challenging schoolwork begins.
Elementary school years are those of learning the basics in reading, writing and arithmetic. When I was a substitute teacher at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, the elementary school had the ‘Fifth Grade Step Up.’ These youngsters were ending their elementary years and were about to begin their middle school years. They were so excited, and anyone could feel their joy that showed when they smiled.
Middle school years are those of expanding on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. These are the in between years. The youngsters are not little, and they are not adults. For me middle schools have graduation, especially the private schools. Each of these graduates is about to experience the thrilling high school years.
Graduation from high school and college means the beginning of young adulthood. This new beginning brings ultimate challenges. It is a time of getting a job, hopefully a good one, and deciding where to live. Also, decisions about marriage, children, and a thousand other things are made all throughout adulthood. However, many people change careers and residence over the years. With each change is a hope of a good and better tomorrow.
Yes, graduation is an example of new beginnings, but everyday, for me anyway, is a new beginning. At the end of each day, I admit to God that I have sinned and ask His forgiveness. Each day I wake up and remember that all of my sins are forgiven, and I can start all over again. My slate with Him is clean. Yesterday is gone, and I have hope that today will be a good and maybe better day. With His help, I can face today and tomorrow along with the challenges.
Theresa Knight © 2004