Dear graduates, today we convene to honor your hard work and commitment throughout your preschool journey. You’ve traveled a long path to reach this significant moment, and just a quick reminder—no hat throwing, please!
Graduation signifies that you have successfully completed preschool, and in just a few months, you’ll embark on the adventure of being kindergartners. Along the way, you will encounter various challenges and perhaps some hurdles. It will take resilience and determination to thrive in elementary school, but I assure you, you all possess the strength needed to succeed.
Some of the most valuable lessons you’ll learn won’t come from your teachers but rather from your peers on the playground and in the cafeteria. I’m not just referring to critical insights like avoiding sloppy joes or ensuring you don’t touch the hot monkey bars on sunny days—though those are certainly handy pieces of knowledge. I mean that you will gain wisdom from your fellow classmates, and hopefully, they will learn from you as well.
Be a Friend
On your first day of school, seek out the child who is sitting alone in the lunchroom. Notice the little girl who’s missing her mom and crying in the morning. See the student who stands off to the side while others are busy playing zombies vs. werewolves. Be the friend who reaches out. Sit beside them, reassure them that everything will be alright, and invite them to join your game. Encourage your friends to do the same.
Stand Up for Kindness
It’s essential to stand up for one another. If you witness someone being unkind, intervene. Remind them that we should treat each other with respect because it’s much more enjoyable when everyone can play together. The world needs caring individuals like you to prevent unkindness. Take on that responsibility now—be the ones who inspire kindness.
Embrace Differences
Always remember that the most interesting people are those who embrace their differences. Isn’t it wonderful that everyone has their unique looks, voices, and ideas? If a classmate is passionate about something you find peculiar or intimidating, muster your courage and inquire about it. Share in their excitement! Make it a point to learn about different perspectives and lifestyles. Having friends who are different from us is incredibly rewarding.
Express Your Individuality
You can express your individuality too. It’s perfectly okay if your clothes, your favorite foods, or your entertainment preferences don’t align with those of your peers. Each of us is free to enjoy our own preferences. Even better, we can present ourselves in any way we choose! We have our bodies and lives, and we can explore countless possibilities with them. Be anything you wish!
Become a Helper
Become a helper. The world is in need of helpers, and your age doesn’t diminish your ability to make a difference. If someone falls and scrapes their knee, check on them. If a friend struggles with their heavy backpack, offer assistance. Help your teacher by wiping down the board. If another child appears sad, ask if they’d like a hug, and share a toy or a book with them. Let them know you care. These small acts of kindness are far more significant than racing ahead in reading groups—believe me.
Enjoy the Journey
You don’t need to rush into deciding your future career right now. Adults often ask young children about their dream jobs, but that’s just because they’re unsure of what else to say. Your current priority is to play, explore, build, and take things apart to understand how they work. Embrace messiness! Create stories and bring them to life. Enjoy adventures!
As you grow older, you may find yourself in uniforms or suits, and certain styles may no longer be acceptable. So, relish this time by wearing silly costumes! Dress up in vibrant leggings with light-up shoes and glittery tops. Top it off with a unicorn horn and rainbow crown if you like. It’s perfectly fine to express your creativity through your wardrobe.
Unleash Your Creativity
Speaking of creativity, enjoy the process of making things! You don’t have to stick to traditional colors; if you think a horse would look better in sparkle aqua, go for it! Create tangible items that you can hold, flip upside down, and transform. Use glue, staplers, and scissors (with your parents’ permission) to bring your imagination to life.
Learning is an Adventure
You will learn to read, write, and solve math problems. You’ll delve into historical topics like Colonial times. Some of you may take a bit longer to grasp certain concepts, but that’s completely okay. In just a few years, your minds will be filled with knowledge, and you’ll acquire a range of new skills. Consider school an exciting adventure you embark on every day, and remember to be gentle with yourselves.
Embrace Mistakes
As adults, we don’t expect perfection from you. If you make a mistake or face a little trouble, recognize that these experiences are opportunities for learning. Just like when you create a mess, working together will help you clean it up. Life functions similarly—messes can always be resolved. More often than not, you’ll receive another chance. If you don’t land the role you desired in the school play, be genuinely happy for the one who did, and rest assured that your moment will come. Disappointments are universal, yet everyone eventually has their chance to shine.
Congratulations!
Congratulations, preschool graduates! We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. For those exploring paths like parenting, be sure to check out this artificial insemination kit for more insights. Also, for more detailed information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, embrace your uniqueness, support one another, and remember that life’s messes can be cleaned up. This journey is just beginning, and there are so many adventures ahead!