North Okaloosa County's graduates and their families are experiencing a mixture of emotions.
There is happiness that graduates are moving to life's next challenging phase, whether that’s work, family life, the military or more school.
For graduates' parents and loved ones, there is pride from the accomplishment that graduation symbolizes. For some families, graduations are commonplace; for others, this is a momentous occasion.
There might be some sadness — feeling that the last remaining hint of childhood is passing for a son or daughter.
There could be some relief — feeling that the heavy financial burden you and your family faced during a child’s college years is ending.
And, for parents, there is some apprehension. Whatever the future holds for a graduate, there is no guarantee of success.
Finally, there will be some worry, particularly if a graduate is heading to college amid all the uncertainty our state leaders have created around higher education.
Still, don’t let any of the uncertainty, anxiousness or worry mar what should be a joyous occasion.
And don’t let those considerations alter your plans.
There will always be reasons to second-guess or doubt your hopes and dreams, and they won’t come easily.
With hard work, dedication and discipline, though, those goals are within your reach.
You have endured through tough times, maintaining your goal and finally achieving it.
Congratulations.
You have quite a bit of hard work to look back on with pride. And you have exciting choices laid out before you.
Whatever you choose to do with your life, remember to relish the great goals you have already achieved.
Good job and good luck.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: OUR VIEW: North Okaloosa graduates — relish your achievement