It was a normal day in the Ponyville school. It was time for one of Cherilee's 'special' classes, where she gives lessons about life and the future of the next generation's kids. Everypony liked Cherilee's 'special' classes, since they never had homework in the end.
"Class...", said Cherilee. "... I am very concerned about you. I have been noticing a disturbing level of low self-esteem. And seeing you like that makes me feel bad too."
Cherilee went to the blackboard, where the words 'SELF-ESTEEM and MOTIVATION' were written in big letters. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were bored out of their minds, while Snips and Snails were playing Rock Paper Scissors with real materials.
"Self-esteem and motivation, kids, are keys to success in life.", continued Cherilee. "Does anypony know what these words mean?"
Pipsqueak was drawing a picture of Sweetie Belle on his notebook, and didn't bother to raise his hoof. Scootaloo was zoned out on her chair, while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were conversating through notes. Twist was the only one paying attention, but she didn't know the answer.
"Kids, are you paying attention out there?", asked Cherilee. "... Sweetie Belle, do you know what self-esteem is?"
"Uhhh...", said Sweetie Belle. "... no?"
"She's stupid.", said Scootaloo, coming back to her senses.
"Yeah... I'm not very smart."
"Now, Sweetie Belle, that's exactly what I'm talking about.", said Cherilee. "Why would you say such a thing?"
Sweetie Belle shrugged, as Cherilee took out a box from behind her desk.
"I guess this is a good time for a confidence-boosting surprise I've been planning. Now, class, do you know what is in this box?", asked Cherilee.
"Vector calculus?", asked Twist.
"Half a gallon of Rocky Road?", asked Snails. "I'd like a triple scoop!"
"Another one of those silly games?", asked Diamond Tiara. "Boring."
"Those were pretty good guessings.", said Cherilee, opening the lid of the box. "None of them are right, however. Inside this box are some gowns and caps for each one of you. With my help, you're all going to graduate!"
"Whoa!", said Scootaloo. "Cool!"
"Now, this is not a real graduation. It's a self-esteem graduation."
"We're gonna graduate!", said Apple Bloom.
"Yeah!", said Sweetie Belle. "It's all over!"
After everypony had their gowns and caps on, Cherilee started handing out certificates for each one of them.
"Congratulations, Snips.", said Cherilee, as she handed him a fake certificate.
"Neat!", said Snips.
"Good work, Pipsqueak. You have many talents to be proud of."
Pipsqueak chuckled as he admired all the cool fonts written in his certificate..
"Good work, Twist. I know you'll go far."
"I feel much more confident, all of a sudden!", said Twist.
"Here's your certificates, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Even though it's not the time, you will find your true talents someday."
"Thank you, Miss Cherilee!", said the three crusaders as they went out of the classroom, while Cherilee had her back turned to them.
"Even though they're not genuine diplomas, they represent something very real. Most importantly, my opinion as your teacher that each one of you is a very important pony, worthy of your classmates' respect and your own self-respect. And in closing, I'd just like to say 'Bravo!' for being you. Thanks for your co-operation, kids. I'm picking up some really positive vibes now!... now that we're all feeling better about ourselves, we do have a lot of material to cover before the midterm. Please, open your books in Chapter 7..."
Cherilee noticed that the CMC had gone missing.
"... where are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?"
At the donut shop, the CMC sat on a table, giggling at the situation.
"What are you girls doing here so early?", asked Derpy Hooves, the waitress. "I don't think your school day is over yet."
"Don't you know?", said Sweetie Belle. "We graduated!"
"Oh my gosh, really?!"
"Yeah!", said Scootaloo. "We're never gonna go to school again!"
"Well, congratulations, girls! Would you like a special discount?"
"We'd love it. Three jelly donuts, please."
"Y'know...", said Apple Bloom. "... ah'm just glad it's finally over."
"Yeah, really."
"I'm gonna miss Cherilee though.", said Sweetie Belle. "She's so nice..."
"At least we can get on with our lives.", said Apple Bloom.
"Here you go, girls.", said Derpy Hooves, coming back with three jelly donuts in a small box.
"Thanks.", said the three graduates, as they enjoyed their food while talking about all the wonderful times they had spent in school, with the best teacher in the world, and the coolest friends as well. It was one of the best moments in their lives. Why did it have to end so soon?
