This time of the year, you see lots changes and transitions in peoples lives. Graduations, and weddings are common occurrences in June. At my age, I don't have to attend many weddings. Graduations on the other hand are regular events. Part of the reason for that is that as a teacher, it is part of the natural evolution of a school year and a process of that spans 13 years in which you play a role. That is not the reason I chose to write about graduations. I have two nephews who graduated from high school this year, and oddly enough, turned 18 within a week of their graduations. Since I have not had a chance to talk to them about the next steps in their lives I am using this to accomplish that purpose.
Guys, sorry that distance and work kept us from being at your graduations. Don't ever let the fact that we aren't at these important events to mean that we aren't interested in you and what you are doing. In years to come you will find that there will be things that are important to you and due to things you can't control you won't be able to do them. That is part of life. It does not make them less important.
They also call Graduations ceremonies Commencements. You both know that to commence something is to start. So leaving high school is not about ending, it is really the first step in the next phase of live. You will be starting college in August and will be faced with new experiences and challenges that will continue to shape the adults you are becoming. You both have clear interests and passions that you want to pursue, and that is fantastic. Pursue them, but don't overlook things that might broaden your view on yourself and the world.
Do not become sheep. The crowd is not always right. Don't follow along just to get along. Make good decisions about the freedoms and temptations you are going to be presented with. There are some dangerous traps and pitfalls on the road ahead. Beware. A strong moral compass will help you find your way.
Embrace the college experience. There are so many opportunities on campus to broaden your view of the world that it is a shame to not take advantage of some of them. It will be a chance to learn something about different people and cultures. You may not like everything you experience, but it is a lot like trying different foods, you won't know what is out there unless you try a taste.
Expect there to be twists and turns on the road. It is a rare thing to follow a straight path to your dreams.
Talk to your parents. They are good sources of wisdom, and can help you chart your course. On the other hand, don't let them dominate you decision making. It is a tough balancing act, and you will have to figure this part out on your own.
Check in on your grandparents from time to time. They want to know what is going on with you, and they won't always be around. So drop in on them from time to time. You will be blessed, and so will they.
From here on out, change is going to be your constant companion. Embrace it, go with it and make the best of it.
There are going to be times when live is going to kick you down in the dirt and stomp you. Get up, dust you butt off and get back after it. Dirty secret revealed - Life is a tough contact sport and you won't always win. Take the experience of failure and use it to your advantage to learn something to keep you moving forward. Success is getting up one more time than you get knocked down.
While you may not see me on a daily basis, remember that I am here for you and will help you in any way that I can. Move forward with the confidence of youth, and make the most of the opportunities that live will offer you.
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