Transitions are hard. I took a deep breath when my name was called. I walked across the stage and accepted my middle school graduation certificate. I sat back down and stared at the stage with sad, weary eyes. I was excited for high school, but half of these kids I would never see again. I turned my head to my best friend. She had the same look on her face. Loss. We were losing everything we currently knew but we were gaining new friends, new experiences, and a new life. When everyone started clapping we stood up and gave each other a hug. A hug I never wanted to break apart, but it had to be done. We walked under the arch together.  I hoped she would find someone new at her high school. I wished her all the best. When we got out of the auditorium we separated and went our different ways forever.