Commencement

According to various sources, commencement marks a new beginning. As graduation season is well underway, I can't help but reminisce about the times I have walked across the stage with such great pride and joy. Not only was I representing some of my greatest accomplishments, but I also represented some of my family's dreams: to graduate from high school and go to a great college. Well, tomorrow the youngest of four siblings will walk across the stage to get his high school diploma. Honestly, I still can't believe he's graduating. Many families around the country are experiencing something similar as well. Their little one has matured into a wonderful young person who will go out into the world to expand their horizons and broaden their visions for success. My hope is that all of the people graduating, both young and old, give back and serve the communities that helped them achieve success. Thus, a high school graduation marks the beginning of a student becoming an adult. However, while the student prepares to graduate, families can't help themselves but reminisce about some of the most significant events in the student's life that led up to the graduation. In fact, I remember my little brother on his first day of kindergarten. He was so excited to start school that he almost forgot to say bye to my mom. That was the funniest and cutest thing I have ever seen. My mom was teary eyed because her baby was growing up. I'm pretty sure tomorrow she will have more reasons to tear up because her baby is a young man. Anytime I share stories about my little brother, I always tell people that he was such a trip. He was a hyper kid that was nonstop! Oh how he drove us crazy! And that is what makes graduations special because you celebrate the accomplishments of the graduate, as well as the person the graduate has become. Even if you are not graduating or attending a graduation in a neighborhood near you, take the time to celebrate the person that you have become. You could not have done it without the love and support of those around you. It was not an easy feat to accomplish your goals, but you definitely did not do it alone. May today mark a new beginning for you as you venture out to make your dreams come true. Remember, it's not about what you do, but rather what you love to do. And don't forget to share that with others! You never know whose life you can change by sharing what you know and what you love to do. Take some time to also reflect on all that you have done and hopefully that will serve as motivation to keep you going, especially during some of your most difficult times. You're almost there my friend. Finish strong. Congratulations to the Class of 2011! All of your hard work and dedication paid off. YOU DID IT! I would like to give a special shout out to my little brother, Kevin H. Sandoval, and the Colton High School Seniors, soon to be graduates. Once again, CONGRATULATIONS!

HATS OFF GRADS! If it hasn't sunk in yet, BELIEVE IT BECAUSE YOUR MOMENT TO SHINE IS HERE! :)