Life will be full of ups, downs and swerves
Attention, high school graduates: The real world you are heading into doesn’t get any easier than the one you are leaving.
College is just as demanding as high school — almost assuredly more so.
And, unless you are heading into the military, the job market in 2013 is not much, if any, better than it was in 2012 or 2011.
Those are the daunting realities, we’re afraid. They present challenges, for sure, but, also opportunities.
Before you jump into that pit, savor your graduation. Now is the time to enjoy and take pride in your accomplishments and the knowledge you have gained in high school.
Your parents and relatives are proud of you, and rightfully so. You have worked hard to get good grades, take part in extracurricular activities, donate community service and everything else it takes these days to get into the college of your choice. So-called “safe schools” are becoming a thing of the past.
Whatever you do next in life, it will be challenging.
You must gain new knowledge, learn new skills and meet new people. Those people with whom you have been going to school — some for the past 12 years — will be going in different directions.
You will become more of an individual. More of your life choices will belong to you.
You will make some good decisions. You will make some bad choices. You will learn from both.
Don’t let the bad times get you down. Make adjustments and get past them.
There are still plenty of opportunities for you to succeed.
You might not invent the next Facebook and become a billionaire in your 20s, but many of you will have successful careers.
You will become doctors, lawyers or work in the financial field. You will become skilled in a trade, open a small business or become a social worker.
Don’t forget the advice to give back to your community or society in some manner or form. It will be good for you and those you help.
Be an honest person. There are too many people out there who lie and cheat or bend the rules too far to their advantage.
Work hard. Don’t complain. It doesn’t get you anywhere.
Most of all, as the philosopher might say, enjoy a good life. You’re in for a hell of a ride.