I graduated high school 16 years ago this June and college 11 years ago this past May. Those both seem like lifetimes ago. As graduation season is upon on I figured it would be fun to provide some advice for graduates.
Life 16 years ago, in 2006, seemed so simple, I had no idea what twists, turns and adventures I was in for. Looking back, life has truly been adventure, a teacher for all the lessons I didn't learn in school and it has opened my eyes to so many possibilities that I didn't know was possible. I set out on one path and I have ended up on a completely different one. Was it one I ever expected, nope! BUT I am pretty content where I have landed.
Here are a few things that graduates today should hear:
Trust yourself/// your first instinct is usually the right one. It might seem scary or foreign to trust yourself, do it. It will bring the options and rewards meant for you.
Follow your own path, even if it looks different/// not everyone is made for college, doing your own thing after high school is okay! You want to build things with wood? Awesome, go find an apprenticeship with a local woodscraftsman. You want to be a first responder, start volunteering and learn from the old timers. Make your own path and be sure its exactly what you want.
Start saving money early/// Even if its a dollar or two, save, save, save. You will thank yourself in the long run and you will have build the habit of it long before you settle into your first grown up job. Then it will be like second nature.
Enjoy time with your parents/// When I was younger, I didn't want to hang out with my parents. (what teenager wanted to?) Now my parents practically run away from me because I want to spend so much time with them- LOL- but seriously, ask them questions about their lives, look at the old photos and memorabilia they have saved. You'll be happy you did in the future.
Be silly/// don't worry about what others think of you, you do you. You'll be a lot happier in the end.
Truly think about what your new job is offering you and if that aligns with your goals/// does this job value you and is happy when you want to take a two week vacation or do they admonish you when you ask? Do they allow you to bring your puppy to work ? Do they give you raises for being productive? The list can go on and on but you get the idea, make a list of what you want and find jobs that will align with your goals.
Its okay if you don't follow your 5 year plan exactly/// plans consistently change and you might think you will be doing A after high school or college but you actually find out you hate A and you want to do K. That's totally okay! Having a plan is great, but if it doesn't work out and you find yourself on a different path that you love and truly enjoy, that's great too!
Make your bed/// this sounds so silly but if you are to accomplish one thing in a day, do it early in the morning by making your bed. You will know, going throughout your day, you have accomplished one thing. (Also if you want to hear the inspiring message that incorporates this advice, listen to Admiral McRavens commencement speech here)
Lastly...
Don't hide your quirkiness /// you do not need the type of negative energy that comes from someone telling you to stop doing something that brings you joy. So what if you literally want to skip through a field and giggle. You do you. Be proud of what makes you different, that is your greatest strength.
To indulge myself, here are some snapshots from my high school and college graduation
First up, high school graduation:
You can find me listening to Graduation by Vitamin C reliving these memories.
What is something you would tell Graduates graduating this year?
[[It always seems impossible until its done.- Nelson Mandela]]
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