It’s June, and this weekend hundreds of local high school seniors adorned in their caps and gowns will be graduating and deciding what to do with their new-found freedom. I am by no means full of wisdom, but as someone who went through the same thing not too terribly long ago, I’ve decided to honor these graduates with a few pearls of wisdom from someone a few years older.
• Keep your options open.
When I first left high school and started attending college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. (In fact I only figured out the newspaper might be the way to go when I saw the job opening posted last year.) There were many different courses to pursue in college and I considered quite a few of them. I even considered being an economics major, but after realizing I couldn’t even balance my own check book, I decided that might not be the way to go, plus I hated the math courses – too many numbers and graphs and letters that stand for things, ugh. I took courses in earth science, astronomy, philosophy (which made my head hurt), calculus (which made me cry) and a million other topics before I realized what I liked and what made me want to crawl in a hole and hide, so let yourself explore a few things before you make any life changing decisions. You never know what might spark your interest.
• Having fun the safe way.
Everyone knows that most college students and post high school graduates spend a fair amount of time drinking. (Not that I ever did that, mom. I was very studious.) The point is there’s a line between fun and too much fun. For example, when my roommate and I went out dancing we had fun, but when I somehow became so clumsy that I was falling down and spilling my drinks on huge girls that wanted to rip the limbs from my body, I was having too much fun. Everyone is probably going to have at least one of these crazy stories to tell, but be smart. If there’s a chance you’re going to have too much fun, be prepared, bring back-up, and try to only spill your drink on people smaller than you. (Appropriate running away footwear is also advisable.)
• Enjoy everything.
Post high school life is full of new experiences and opportunities, whether you’re going to college, getting a job or entering the military, there will be tons of different things to do and see. Take advantage of the opportunities while you have them, and enjoy whatever path you take. It might sound trite, but life is what you make of it, so make it something you’re going to love.
Congratulations to all of the graduates of 2007!