graduation – Inside an Optimist's Mind

Then, Now, and the Things to Be

February 13, 2022February 13, 2022 by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Beyond MLEC

At the end of last year, I realized that I never posted the graduation pictures I took with three of my friends. Somehow this gave me the idea to reach out to them. I asked the each of them how it felt to graduate, where they are in their lives right now, and their outlook on the future. I enjoyed getting to hear their stories, and I hope you resonate with or enjoy some parts of them too.

Then, Now, and the Things to Be: Striving For More Success

“If I’m being honest, I really don’t know how it felt to graduate. What I can tell you is that it certainly wasn’t like the movies. I don’t know if it was just me or because of the circumstances, but it didn’t feel like what it should’ve been and or what I always thought it would be like. Don’t get me wrong, after 12 years of school I was finally able to graduate, and not only did I do that, I did it with Summa Cum Laude and also accomplished so many other things. The things I have achieved have made me happy and proud, but I guess at the time and moment I didn’t really feel all that love or anything for graduating. It was a little sad for me because I was graduating and I guess it was an accomplishment for me but no one really made it feel like a big deal. And I didn’t really have any close/best friends so it was just not that great.

As of now, I’ve had the chance to work, save up money, but also after 12 years of school, finally relax for at least a few months. With that being said, I got into FIU as a student in psychology, and I will be starting in the spring term of January 2022. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve been able to accomplish in high school because that allowed me to get into an amazing school with scholarships and so on. My only wish is that once school starts, I’m able to focus, learn, and study, so that I’m able to achieve the grades I want and grow as a person, in the hopes of succeeding and excelling for my future self as someone in the medical field, all while balancing my life and maintaining a prospering mental state of mind.”

-Rhythm A.

Then, Now, and the Things to Be: Milestones and Independence

“Graduating was really difficult for me because my family wasn’t there. It felt weird that I worked so hard for that day and nothing was going the way I wanted. But when I finally got my diploma and walked across that stage I was so ecstatic. That feeling was surreal. The phase that I’m in right now is kind of just living. I’ve worked hard for twelve years so for now it’s just time to give myself a break. I’m looking forward to finally moving out and getting my own place.”

-Abigaelle B.

Then, Now, and the Things to Be: Manifesting Something Better

“Graduating was honestly really good. I remember being happy, but I feel like I was just happy to leave the place I was in. I didn’t want to be in high school anymore. It was like ‘high school sucks. I wanna leave’. I was ready to move on with my life. How do I feel now? I feel good. I feel a little nervous, not gonna lie, but an excited kind of nervous because I don’t know what’s going to happen.

Right now, I’m going into my second semester of college and I feel pretty confident about it. It feels great. I’m going to be starting a job on monday. It’s a big girl job. Like, I have to go in at 7 in the morning and get a background check and everything. It’s a really good job and opportunity which is crazy because I wasn’t even [actively] looking for a job. I was manifesting money and this job came into my life and I was like ‘okay this is a sign.’ You know what I mean?

I feel like I can balance things more now. When I quit my first job, I was just overwhelmed with everything. I didn’t know how to balance managing my mental health properly, and eating, and going to school, and going to work and having to do homework. It was just not working for me. But I feel like I’m ready to balance those things now. I think I was scared of change, but now I’m ready to embrace it. I’m looking forward to the new obstacles. I feel like I’m ready to face them and that I’m stronger now. I believe in myself and I’m more confident than I was before. I’m looking forward to seeing what I’m capable of, growing, being happy, and being in that stable mindset. I feel like I’m getting there.”

– Laudith D.

Honestly, it felt really good to do this. I love getting the perspective of others and interviewing people, so working on this really was a breath of fresh air. Hopefully, you got something from their stories, or at the very least enjoyed reading it.

As always, I wish you all the best. May this week be one of prosperity, happiness, and success.

With Love,

Rhobie ❤

Reflection

August 8, 2021 by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Experience

High School Graduation and Summer 2021: A Reflection

On June 2nd, 2021, I graduated High School. It felt kind of surreal, honestly. I made it there a few minutes after the ceremony started (I was supposed to be there one hour before it began), and had to quickly find my way to the other graduates so that I’d make it time for the march (which was, let me tell you, very stressful). So while speeches were being made, I was part listening and part recovering from the stress and the rush that came with being late.

From the handing of the diploma cover, to the picture taking, everything went by so quickly, and then suddenly, without enough time to process it all, I was a high school graduate. I went home that evening, took some more pictures, took all my regalia and graduation stuff off, changed into something else, and just sat there. It was weird.

Then, not even two weeks into my summer break, I attended orientation for my summer job as a camp counselor. Two weeks after that I had already started my summer class. A few weeks into working 40 hours a week and taking a class, I started working on co-founding an organization with a wonderful group of people located in different parts of the country. Needless to say, before I could even let it all sink in, I already immersed myself in other things (which also means this is the first time I’m actually sitting and reflecting about everything).

So here I am, on my bed, typing away and not knowing where this piece is even going. Most of what comes to mind is that two months after graduation, I am quite aware that I’m no longer a high schooler, but I also don’t really feel like an adult either. It’s like I’m in limbo, between what was my life before and life I’m about to live. I don’t really know what’s next, or if I’m even prepared for it, but I’m excited.

Before I close this out, here are a few things that I learned/ realized this summer.

Working with kids after a year of being around little to no people can surely lead to one getting sick. Twice. It was a learning experience though.
Interacting with other people is people is pretty cool. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. However, a lot of interacting in a short period of time can get draining.
Mental health days are important and should be normalized.
Trees are cute. I realized this a long time ago, but I just wanted to put that out there.

That’s all from me.

‘Till next time ❤

Graduate

May 5, 2019May 6, 2019 by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Photo Essays

Mom,

Today you graduate (which is in the form of a luncheon because the ceremonies are every other year). You worked hard to get here. I remember when I was in elementary school, too young to stay home alone, you would rush to get from work, to the person babysitting my brother and I, to your night classes. At the time, dad worked a night shift as well. When completing the last two classes for the degree, after five days of working, you spent your Saturdays at class. I watched as you juggled to be a mom, a student, a coworker, a teacher, and a person devoted to God all at the same time. I know it wasn’t easy coming into the country, getting your citizenship, and building the life you now have. But you’re doing it, you’re building. You completed the class to help you speak and read English. You completed the classes to get your Associate’s Degree. You managed to get a better job with that new diploma. You continued to work hard. Now, you have your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education.

Today we celebrate you. Today we honor you and your decision to keep pushing forward even when the times were less than ideal, even in the midst of difficult classes. You did it. I couldn’t be more proud of all you accomplished, and everything you will accomplish from this day forward.

This photo essay takes place at my mother’s graduation luncheon, in which she listens to wise words, talks, eats her meal, and enjoy the event meant to honor her, along with 38 hardworking individuals who either got their Bachelor’s or their Master’s.