As senior photo season descends upon us once again, social media platforms light up with images of youthful faces, frozen in time against the backdrop of high school milestones. Amidst the flurry of nostalgia and excitement, there lies an invaluable opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the journey that has brought us to this point.

For some, like myself, senior photos serve as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, a snapshot captured amidst the ever-changing landscape of life. It has been 31 years since I posed for my own senior portraits, a wide-eyed dreamer on the cusp of adulthood, brimming with anticipation for the road ahead. In the three decades that have followed, my life has unfolded like a novel, each year a chapter filled with twists and turns, triumphs and tribulations.

As I scroll through the images of fresh-faced seniors, I am reminded of the countless milestones and achievements that have shaped my own narrative. In the span of 31 years, I have traversed the highs and lows of parenthood, raising seven children while bidding farewell to nine more lost through miscarriage. I have navigated the unpredictable currents of entrepreneurship, founding and closing a business, each venture serving as a chapter in the story of resilience and adaptability.

Amidst the ebb and flow of life, I have embraced new experiences and pursued lifelong passions. I learned to ride a motorcycle, a daring escapade that unfolded in its own thrilling chapter. I embarked on the tumultuous path of higher education, navigating detours and setbacks before ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree and not one, but two master’s degrees, and now, pursuing a Ph.D.

In the backdrop of these monumental milestones lies a narrative of personal growth and self-discovery. I have bid farewell to loved ones, including my father and grandmother, grappling with the profound ache of loss while cherishing the memories that endure. I have forged new connections and nurtured existing relationships, finding solace and strength in the bonds of friendship and community.

Through it all, I have embraced the beauty of evolution, honing old skills and cultivating new passions. From the rhythmic hum of a sewing machine to the intricate artistry of quilt-making, I have woven creativity into the fabric of my story, finding solace in the act of creation. I am surrounded by things that I love: books, musical instruments, and antique sewing machines.

As I reflect upon the faded photographs of my senior year, I am struck by the juxtaposition between past and present. I look at my graduation photos from thirty-one years ago and when I compare them to my most recent profile picture, I see someone a little older the the same smile, still wearing glasses, and featuring a much shorter and grayer hairstyle. Overall, I believe that I have aged gracefully and well and have accomplished so much more than the young 18-year old woman in the graduation photos ever dreamed.

So, as the shutter clicks and the snapshots are immortalized in time, let us take a moment to reflect on the novel of our lives. Let us celebrate the victories, acknowledge the setbacks, and embrace the beauty of growth and transformation. For in the end, it is not just the destination that defines us, but the journey we undertake to reach it.