By:
Congratulations graduates!
You’ve finished 13 years of school and have successfully
navigated the pitfalls of high school – which friends to keep, which clubs
or sports to join.
Whether you’re embarking on a career right out of school,
getting ready for college, joining the service or taking a year off, it’s
important to know a one thing: What you do over the next few years will set
the tone for the rest of your life.
Try to stay focused.
Things like which fraternity or sorority to join, how to
fit in visits to old friends while keeping up with new ones, whether to
live on or off campus, and where to work can seem daunting. These all are
important things to consider. However, now is the time to shape your
future, and that should be your main concern.
Here are some tips.
? First, take the time to savor your accomplishment.
You’ve just spent the past 13 years studying, making friends, joining clubs
and playing sports.
It’s likely been stressful so, after you walk down the
aisle and grab your diploma, celebrate with friends, cry a little and spend
the summer relishing your final moments of carefree high school freedom.
Enjoy it now, because the hard part is just beginning.
? Pick a course of study or career you like. Selecting a
major just because one of your friends said it’s the way to go is not how
it should be done. There are millions of people stuck in jobs they hate.
Why? Because they picked a major they thought was easy or could score them
a quick job after graduation. And they’re paying for it now.
The same holds true for a career right out of college.
Attack it with relish, but make sure it’s what you want to do.
Doing something you enjoy, and getting paid for it, pays
off in the end.
? "Friends forever" is a wonderful attitude to have
during graduation, but once school, basic training or the job starts, its
time to hunker down.
Remember, old friends aren’t going to take a final exam
for you and they’re certainly not going to write a term paper or show up to
work in your place.
That’s not to say that weekend visits are bad. They’re
fun, but don’t start pretending you’re still in high school. Those four
years may have been special, but you should resist the urge to relive
them.
? Learn quickly how to handle the many freedoms college
and being independent allows you. Professors often don’t care if students
show up for class; and there is no one standing close by with a ruler to
make sure homework gets done. That could create the urge to stay home or
put off work. It’s your choice, but remember that, down the road, you’ll
pay for it.
? Know when to forego the occasional party and head to
the library – or to bed. If you don’t know when to do that, or are unable
to do it yourself, then you could be in for some trouble.
? Our last bit of advice is simple. Try to always enjoy
yourself, no matter what you’ve decided your next step is. Take advantage
of all the perks being a young adult provides, while obtaining knowledge,
information and a taste for what you like. Now is the time to seize the
future. It all starts here.
