This past May was the first time I really participated in anything graduation related. I’ve never had any family members or significant friends graduate so I never saw what it was all like.
This year not only did my sister graduate, but one of my close friends Lauren did as well. I’ve known Lauren since I was in fifth grade (meaning I was 10). We spent many years playing Minecraft, skyping, dreaming, and doing whatever together.
I knew that I had to do something for her as she was graduating. I spent a lot of time thinking about just what it was that I should do (as you can tell by the fact I’m publishing this in July rather than May). I really wanted to do something special and meaningful, because I’ve started to understand that graduation and the process of graduating is more than being finished with a chapter of your life, it’s also about starting a new one.
I ended up deciding that I would create a care package.
After settling on this idea I knew that I would have to come up with items to actually put in the package. I created a list and when I finally got a day off I went out on the town. I stopped by some department stores for jewelry, craft stores for stationary supplies as well as charms and whatnot, and at Walmart and the Dollar Tree for whatever else I needed.
I got home and did some preparations, but did a majority of the work the next morning. I woke up and wrote the letter, prepped and made every item as well as cards for each item. I tried to make the items inside the box personalized, basing it on things she liked, where she’s going to college (as she’s going from Minnesota all the way to Florida!) as well as the fact itself that she’s going to college. Two of my favorite items included were both made by myself. One was a bracelet and the other was a glass album cover (something I’m definitely going to make again in the future.. once the dollar store finally restocks their 8 by 10 picture frames). I spent a good couple of hours on the whole thing, but I thought it was super cute and definitely worth it in the end.
After finishing the box (and making sure I bubble wrapped fragile items) I went to the UPS Store to ship it. I’ve had pen pals in the past, but I’ve never actually had to ship anything, so I wasn’t too sure how this would look, but it was actually pretty easy! I created the label, answered a few questions about what was in the box, and then paid to ship it. The price of the shipping itself was outrageous, but it was worth it (for Lauren and also because it got to her in two days!).
In the past I’ve talked about my feelings towards cards, and this is honestly kinda similar. I don’t feel annoyed or sad that I had to buy a gift because I felt like I was forced to, but rather I feel proud of myself for the skills I used to make the box as well as satisfied knowing that I sent something kinda incredible to someone I love and appreciate.
As I did before, I encourage anyone and everyone to do something similar to let someone (a relative, a friend, a stranger) know that you care for them.
The Cons of Writing 