The transition from high school to whatever pseudo-adult period that follows—college, trade school, a gap year, or working—is a time for celebration. But it’s also a time for preparation.

a little more than a week before receiving her high school diploma. It took a lot of homework, long nights, and compromised summer breaks, but Taylor says it was worth it. "I want to leave my mark.

I look at my diploma every day. My mother, she only went as far as the 11th grade, but she wanted all her children to finish high school. On her dying bed, I promised her that I would go back ...

BOND: It's a long time coming. I look at my diploma every day. My mother, she only went as far as the 11th grade, but she wanted all her children to finish high school. On her dying bed, I promised ...