~Class of 2016~

Hey everyone!

On this happy occasion, I shall save the apologies for my lack of posts for another post ^_^ Two days ago, Monday, was the 3rd Modern Arts Performing School Commencement Ceremony, a.k.a. high school graduation! Me, Rome, and the rest of the SERA00 98-line sat in the sweltering arena, waiting for all 500 names to be called, waiting for our turn on stage - not to perform, but to receive our diploma. Well, to be exact, it was a blank sheet of paper, rolled up, and a student stood by with a basket for you to deposit the diploma after you had walked off the stage. Recycling at it's best.

Many chairs for many graduates

The ceremony began with the formalities, the speeches, the congratulations from trustees who were but a name without a face to us for the most part of the year - and the advice and wisdom of how we should approach our future. To be honest, I tuned out most of the speeches. Most of them were really long and some of the speakers, at no fault of their own, had accents that made their English rather hard to decipher. Not to mention the heat...five hundred graduates plus all the guests of each graduate, all stuffed into an arena with no AC...not exactly an atmosphere you'd like to sit in for four hours.

Speeches

Although it was unquestionably an unpleasant environment, I did ask myself after the ceremony - would I sit through that again? And I can't help but think - yes, I probably would. But why? A graduation ceremony, what is it really? A product of tradition, something every student will sit through just because all the students before sat through it too? What does it mean to you when you are just one of the hundreds present, conforming with everyone else who is dressed in that black gown, waiting hours just for that ten second walk across the stage to receive a blank scroll? 

But perhaps the reason behind the madness is easier when related to something else. Because whenever I see a stage, I can't help but think of our stage. The SERA00 Stage. I know there are many people out there who passionately want to perform - I see it in front of my eyes every year during the SERA00 Auditions. Thousands of girls lined up, waiting - not even for a chance to stand on stage, but a chance to audition for those limited spots on stage. And for those who make it through, finally being able to stand onstage and gaze out at the audience is a moment of accomplishment. A sign that you've maybe done something right. And every performance is a reminder of the privilege that you were chosen to stand in that spot, so you better do your damn best.

Hats in the air

When you think about it like that, the graduation ceremony suddenly becomes a reality check. There are millions of children out there who don't have access to education. And yet here I am, having complained about school all year long, but finally standing on that stage. Graduating. That is something many children will never have the privilege to do.

Two days ago, I graduated from high school. I graduated not just for myself, but for all those who have helped me to this place. I graduated for my parents, my teachers, my friends, my members - and all those who were not able to graduated. I graduated for them - and you will to, knowing that we will do our damn best with what we were given, so that someday, they may graduate too. 

I am a 2016 high school graduate.

I may not have been the best student (far from that, in fact). But I'm off to university next year. I'll be studying at the University of Toronto. I will continue my activities with SERA00, because that's what I love to do. I know I'll have to juggle all the new challenges that comes with change, but you can bet that I'll try my damn best.

Please support SERA00!