Dear Graduate

Dear Graduate is a poem I wrote in honour of everyone celebrating this important milestone in life. It was inspired by my son, who is graduating and heading off to pursue his baseball dreams. I hope it will serve as a reminder to reflect on where you’ve been, distill the valuable lessons and wisdom you’ve learned, and carry that forward into your next chapter of life.

Dear Graduate,  
The Journey to Now

At this time of year,
with so much to cheer,
there’ll be rumblings that your journey is about to start.
But there is power in pausing ­—
to reflect on the distance you’ve mapped on your chart.

After all, you began this journey
with just a name,
and loved ones with bursting hearts.
Full of wild wonder and zeal,
you spoke your first words, took proud first steps,
then in a blink, you were flying on two wheels.

There was learning through play,
and countless trips to the park.
You showed up ready to mingle,
to shine in the world with your charismatic spark.

School was no different—
you navigated the ins and outs,
the expectations, the steady routines,
and most importantly, how to stay true to yourself.

There were lessons and learnings
some easy, some tough.
You carved a curved path,
and kept going when things got rough.

Today, as you celebrate,
step back —look, listen—
and remember it all.
You’re not a beginner.
You’re taking next steps
at life’s grand ball.

Remember to know what you want and why,
to always believe in yourself.
To play, work, rest —
in the order that feels
like your best.

Practice with purpose,
start fresh each day,
and carry your gratitude
all along the way.

This chapter is ending
and a new one’s begun.
Think big, step small,
reset when you need,
and follow the sun.

And when the pitch comes —
the one meant for you —
swing through,
and trust your path is unfolding in a way that feels true.

❤ Emily