Upendo Ministries

Graduation is a time of celebration, a time to reflect on the hard work and dedication that has led to this momentous occasion. But for some, graduation can also be a time of sadness and uncertainty, especially when it means saying goodbye to friends who have become like family.

As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can attest to the bittersweet emotions that come with watching friends graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives. In my case, my friends in Kenya are graduating and I may never see them again.

This is the class who, as a whole, have fully and completely accepted me as their sister. When I’m feeling “off”, they sense that and immediately ask what is wrong. They have been the ones to be vulnerable and have deep, serious conversations. We have had such a strong friendship over the years.

It’s a strange feeling, knowing that the people who have been such a big part of your life for so long will soon be gone. You start to think about all the memories you’ve shared, the inside jokes, the late-night conversations, late-night studying, playing soccer and volleyball, and you wonder if you’ll ever have that kind of connection with anyone else.

But as much as it hurts to say goodbye, it’s important to remember that graduation is not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning of a new journey, one that will undoubtedly bring new experiences, new friendships, and new opportunities.

And while it may be difficult to imagine life without your friends by your side, it’s important to stay positive and keep in touch. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected with people no matter where they are in the world. Whether it’s through social media, video calls, or good old-fashioned snail mail, there are plenty of ways to keep the friendship; nonetheless, I will miss them.