I live right around the corner from a high school. Yesterday afternoon, I ran into a huge crowd of seniors–all of them carrying identical plastic bags. What was inside? Caps and gowns! Some students had unpacked the contents right there on the street, while others clutched theirs under their arms or against their chests. I caught major happy vibes as I passed by. Congrats, Class of ‘08! And now, I present your bittersweet video flashback:

On a related note, I just saw this article in The New York Times about the rise in popularity of eighth grade graduation ceremonies. Some people are worried that celebrating “graduation” from middle school just reinforces the dangerous and outdated idea that kids don’t need a high school education, when nowadays they need that and more to be competitive in the workplace. Personally, I think it’s important to mark the passing from middle school to high school. Those years are tough–the toughest, if you ask me. Do girls need outlandish Super Sweet Junior High Graduation parties? Nope. But they certainly deserve to feel proud of the fact that they made it.

When I used to cry about mean girls, cliques, and heartbreaking crushes, my mom would sit on my bed and recite this age-old reassurance: “This too shall pass.” I heard that one a lot, and I probably rolled my eyes every time. But you know what? She was right. It did pass. I got through it. Girls today will make it, too. And that’s something to celebrate.