Good luck high school, college graduates

Published 4:39 pm Friday, May 19, 2023

Carter County high school graduations as well as Elizabethton High School graduation were held this weekend, coming on the heels of graduations at Milligan University and East Tennessee State University.

Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.

For adults attending a ceremony, graduations mark the years, of how quickly time passes. How can so-and-so already be graduating high school or college? He or she was just riding bicycles and playing with dolls a short time ago. Where has the time gone?

Some thoughts for graduates:

– Time passes quickly, and the older you get, the quicker time passes. Though it doesn’t sound possible now, before you know it, you will be returning for your 25th class reunion, then your 30th, 40, and perhaps 50th. Choose how you spend the next years of your life wisely.

– A friend shared how she would advise her children when they reached graduation time in their life. “Choose what you want to do, and prepare for it. You must work. It is necessary if you eat, have a home, and raise a family. Money is not everything, but it is important. It pays the bills. It’s necessary to find a job that pays the bills, but it’s also important you find a work that you enjoy going to each day,” was the advice she gave her children.

– Be ready for a multitude of adventures, experiences, and mistakes. Adventures shape experiences and some experiences will be mistakes. Learn from them all. Seek adventure, remember the experiences and forgive the mistakes. Living is learning.

– There are no schedules. It is never too late to start something new or to begin again. But remember, too, some things are more difficult to start or return to when you have responsibilities of children, a mortgage, and numerous other bills to pay.

– Always be a student and life-long learner. Pursue interests no matter your age. Lessons don’t end because school is finished, and neither does the pursuit of learning.

– As the next few years pass, you may be surprised at how much your parents’ advice actually makes sense.

– In work, find something you enjoy and do it well. You may not become monetarily wealthy but you may make a living at it and be happier for it.

– Do not be afraid to dream big and pursue those dreams. However, find some simple pleasures in life. Simple pleasures can be anything from a hot bath to clean socks. Sometimes, big dreams have a tendency to disappoint. Simple pleasures are more reliable.

– Make plans, even though plans often fall apart. Still, the better you plan, the more you will be prepared when things fall apart.

– Set goals, but enjoy the trip in attaining those goals.

– Learn to think for yourself. Roam the earth or stay home. Either way, with an open mind and open eyes, the world will come to you.

– Know who you are and dream big. Always be ready for change. Because everything changes. From your looks to your situation to jobs. Life has a tendency to change with time.

– Make good choices…think situations through. And when you make a regretful choice, let it go. Regretting something won’t change it.

– Love life, love the people in your life, and appreciate those around you. We can not walk alone in this life. We need each other. Be kind to each other. A friend is much better than an enemy.

Finally, take a moment to appreciate this moment and your achievement. You have graduated! Congratulations!