Halloween

Five years ago, I graduated from the community college where I now work.

Today, I am sitting at my desk in my graduation cap and gown, maroon and silver tassle bobbing at the corner of my field of vision. Why? Because today is Halloween.

It is interesting to make a silly, fun costume out of something that was once a symbol of the hard work on which I spent two years of my life. It reminds me that school isn't everything, that when we're all old, we will look back with some amusement on all that which we once took so seriously.

Things that were important will not seem as important when day is done and we stare across the expanses of our lives. There will be pride, joy, and grief; graduations, silly costumes, and things we regret.

But for now, I'm sitting in a library in my old graduation cap and gown, happy that there are good times to look ridiculous. To not worry what other people think: that is freeing.

Happy Halloween, everybody. Eat some candy, read some H. P. Lovecraft, and have fun.