Rivera walked gracefully to the podium to give her speech. Graduating with a distinction is one thing but being the over-all best student in the University of California is something she never expected. She had work so hard in her studies despite the ups and down and was glad it was all over. She had been preparing her speech since the day she heard she was the valedictorian for the year. She got to the podium, adjusted the microphone and stared ahead. She felt a little bit shocked and nervous seeing the multitude of students; parents and friends staring back at her, still she spoke
" Phew! I'm sure I'm not the only one glad all this is finally over".
The crowd chuckled. In the last five years, we've worked hard, endured, persevere, have fun and learnt. It's time to show the world how badass we are in our field of study. Let's make the world better with our skill and knowledge!!!".
She finished and bowed a bit to the audience and walked back amidst the roars of claps, cheers and whistles to her seat where her family sat with huge smiles on their faces. Her father stood up and hugged her.
" I'm so proud of you" said her father.
Her mother in turn hugged her with tears in her eyes.
"Well done my girl. I'm so proud of you.
She then turned to her small brother Jachim who gave her bouquet of flowers and smiled at her.
" Congratulation sissy. I never knew you were this sensible". He joked.
"Thank you baby bro. I've always told you I was the brainy one but you wouldn't agree". She replied him.
....
Rivera and her family went to their favorite restaurant and celebrated her graduation. She ordered her favorite dish; Italian pasta and shrimps and also a bottle of white wine while her parents ordered their dish and a bottle of champagne. She looked at her family and felt loved. She was grateful for having such a wonderful family. She beat the wine glass to call the attention of her family.
"Dad, mom, baby bro, I'm so grateful for your support morally and financially. I'm so glad I came from this family. I could never ask for a better family. As I begin this new phase of mine, I promise to make you proud wherever and whenever. Thank you so much, I love you."
"We are so proud of you sweetie". Her mother said." Let's toast to celebrating more great things together". They all raised their glasses and toasted.
"Erm!" Her father cleared his throat to speak." So when are you resuming office so I can get it well arranged to your taste for you?" He asked her .
" Dad, I told you countless times that I'd like to work outside the family business. I don't want to limit my knowledge to our business alone. I want to work elsewhere and get more knowledge about the business world and then I can come join you at the company afterwards. Moreover, the ideas I get and skills I learn will help me manage our business well." She told her father.
"I understand you but I don't like the idea of you working under someone. I mean you should be a boss on your own."
"Dad, I understand you but let me do it my way and if it doesn't work, I'd come back and work with you" she gave him her best puppy eye because she knows she can never go wrong with it.
"Erm but… her father continued
"My love, why not let her do her thing and let's just guide her. We have a very smart daughter and I'm sure you trust her enough to be fine. Moreover you are always there to help her. She's after all your little princess" her mother interrupted.
"ok, if you say so but I'm kicking asses of whoever mess with you.
"I know dad, you are my knight in shining armour" she said.
"Ok guys, can we eat now? I'm so hungry". Jachim said.
" Sure we can. Sorry to keep you waiting your Royal Highness". Mom teased, giving a fake bow to my brother.
They all laughed and started eating.