Archive note: This post was originally published on GameSpot by ThumbsUpMaster on July 7, 2009. It is preserved as part of the ThumbsUpMaster GameSpot Blog Archive.

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Readable Archive Version

June 11th, 2009 – I stand, anxiously waiting for my name to be called. The cheering and claps are blocked away by my thoughts. I honestly didn't know how I did it. I neglected school at such an early time in high school… because of the internet. The internet was a huge addiction I regret and don't regret. Instead of studying or doing homework, rather, I posted at forums, chatted on IM clients, and created videos for YouTube. I shrouded the worry of failing a class with my music and the thought of doing what I enjoy the most as my number one priority.

But at the same time, I was greatly influenced by the vast amount of information available on the internet, which surpassed what I was being taught at school. Aside from that, I read the thoughts and opinions of people from around the world while sharing my own. It helped me learn a lot the world by sharing our different points of views on life and judgment on certain topics. The internet helped me create a completely different approach on life.

My name is called.

All the clas.ses I went to, all the people I'm never going to speak to again, will be just a memory and fade away in time. This is the defining moment I've been waiting for. I finally made it.

I received my diploma and moved my tassel to the right. With one final thumbs up to my school, I moved on.

Original GameSpot Version

June 11th, 2009 - I stand, anxiously waiting for my name to be called. The cheering and claps are blocked away by my thoughts. I honestly didn't know how I did it. I neglected school at such an early time in high school... because of the internet. The internet was a huge addiction I regret and don't regret. Instead of studying or doing homework, rather, I posted at forums, chatted on IM clients, and created videos for YouTube. I shrouded the worry of failing a class with my music and the thought of doing what I enjoy the most as my number one priority.

But at the same time, I was greatly influenced by the vast amount of information available on the internet, which surpassed what I was being taught at school. Aside from that, I read the thoughts and opinions of people from around the world while sharing my own. It helped me learn a lot the world by sharing our different points of views on life and judgment on certain topics. The internet helped me create a completely different approach on life.

My name is called.

All the clas.ses I went to, all the people I'm never going to speak to again, will be just a memory and fade away in time. This is the defining moment I've been waiting for. I finally made it.

I received my diploma and moved my tassel to the right. With one final thumbs up to my school, I moved on.