I remember my first day at school. It was long ago. So do I remember my last day. They are very memorable days of my life. Parting is always sad and painful. And there were many other students who were sad and like me. We were all the students class XII. But at the same time we were happy became now our schooling was over. It marked a new beginning, a new hope and more challenging and interesting life. It had prepared well for the bored examination. I was confident to stand in merit. This too made me happy. Thus, there were mixed feelings. The state of mind was like that of sky with some clouds and bright sunshine. Life is like that. A farewell party was arranged for us in the school. It is a tradition to give a farewell party to the final class students when they leave for the board examination. The day was Monday. The weather was very pleasant. Winter was over and spring was about to set in. I was dressed in my best cloths. I reached the school in time. So it was my last day in the school, my alma mater. Other student had also arrived there. I met and shook hands with them. The school was beautifully and tastefully decorated. A small platform was raised. Soon we assembled for the farewell function. First of all there was a group photograph with the principal and the teaching staff. Then we reached the platform. On the platform sat the principal, vice principal and other members of the staff. The principal presided over the function. First there was a short cultural program by the students of XI class. It provided a good entertainment. Next , the students of XI class presented us roses on behalf of the school. Then a boy representing the XI class students came on the stage and delivered a short farewell speech in Hindi. It was full of great warmth, good wishes and affection. In reply the monitor of our class made a short speech on behalf of outgoing students.

Next followed the speeches and blessings of the teachers who had taught us with so much love, labour and care. After it our principal spoke in an emotional tone. He blessed us all, wished us bright career, success and happy future. His speech touched us all and our eyes become wet. There was thunderous clapping when he finished speaking.

In the end there was a nice party. In the hall there were many tables. They were full of snacks, sweets, fruits, cold and hot drinks. There were many students with trays full of eatables to serve the principal, the teachers and the outgoing students. I enjoyed it very much. Every thing was so fine, tasty and fresh. It was a very fine party. In my opinion, it was one of the best functions I had seen in our school. Finally, we took leave individually of our principal and teachers. They again blessed us and prayed for our bright success and career.

This was my last day in the school. A memorable and unforgettable day. I was full of emotions and my throat was choked for some time. I asked the forgiveness of the teachers for anything rude or unbecoming I had done knowingly or knowingly. Then, I walked out of the school with slow and somewhat heavy steps.