At the end of each school year, a new class of seniors embark on their journey into the real world, leaving the security of everything they’ve known for the last 13 years — a journey that will include new experiences, new friends and new lessons to be learned along the way.

Graduation is essentially the end of an era, but it is also a transition into another chapter in this game called life.

I remember the nostalgia of graduation day and the many pressing questions that left me excited for the future, but somewhat apprehensive about what was to come.

What would happen to my friends? Would I like college? What would life be like in the real world?

Graduation is a unique experience in the fact that it can evoke several emotions within us at the same time. While naturally most graduates are excited and proud on their big day, it’s also normal to feel a little sad, afraid and confused about what is yet to come.

If you were honored with the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive proof of all your hard work over your time as a student in Charlotte County, that is truly something to be proud of.

This is what you’ve worked so hard for.

Every single person you’ve met along the way thus far has impacted the individual you’ve become, whether you realize it or not.

The real world is much like high school, just different players and a different stage.

As author Neil Gaiman said, “and now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here.”

After all, life is about taking chances and making choices.

To the graduates of the Randolph-Henry High School’s Class of 2017, congratulations! You’ve earned it.

Italia Gregory is the community editor for The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@TheCharlotteGazette.com.