One year ago I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. During that time, I was so excited to begin my life and learn what it meant to “be an adult.” I thought graduating high school meant I had figured everything out, yet I could not have been more wrong. The past year has taught me so much.
One week ago, I watched as my friends in the grade below me walked across the same stage. I couldn’t help but think, “wow, they have so much in front of them” and “if only they knew…” I thought about what I would have told myself a year ago to help get to where I am now.
1. You do not know it all.
Although you have graduated high school, you still have so much to learn. I know it feels as if you have finished the most difficult part of your life, but in reality this is only the beginning. Don’t worry, however. Sometimes learning is part of the fun. If you knew everything right now, then all of the anticipation and excitement would be sucked out of life. Enjoy the unknown and embrace it.
2. The tiniest decisions you make now will affect your entire life.
Now, you have probably been hearing this for a long time, but I want to say it again. The next few years will be some of the most influential and character-building years. They will shape you into the adult you will become. Use this to your advantage. Form habits which are worth keeping such as encouraging others, doing your best and growing closer to God.
3. Life gets a lot harder.
Remember how in high school you didn’t have to do everything yourself? That is all about to change. Although you may eat at a cafeteria or have a set schedule, you also have a lot of responsibility. You can go to bed whenever you want, but you also need to juggle working/school, laundry, cleaning, and so much more. Do yourself a favor now and thank your parents for all they do for you!
4. Not everyone is who you think they are.
As you enter the next year, you will meet many new people. Do not take people at face value. Get to know them and discover their true character. Don’t be fooled by a person's outer mask, because it will only hurt you in the end. You should give everyone a chance and be kind to everyone, but choose your friends wisely. They will influence you more than you can ever know.
5. You don’t have as much control as you think you do.
This is something I learned right away in college. I am a bit of a control freak and I like to pretend that everything is in my own hands. Does it ever work out? Let me save you a lot of time and tell you the answer is no. After high school, you can control your own actions, but not the actions of others. You have to learn to do your best and trust that God will guide you.
6. Your parents love you and want the best for you.
Perhaps you think you already believe this, but it will solidify in the next year. I have learned that my parents are always there when I need them. Even when their actions seem confusing or contradictory to what I want, they have my best interests at heart.
7. You are about to have the time of your life.
You have the freedom to go out late and eat junk food. You can meet new people and travel the world. The amount of opportunities you have right now are endless. Enjoy this time! However, do not abuse this freedom. Let me say it again, do not abuse this freedom. You can still have fun while protecting your future.
Congratulations, class of 2016! You are about to embark on an amazing journey. I wish you all the best and pray that you have some of the greatest years of your life. Enjoy your time of freedom and learn all that you can. This is the beginning of the rest of your life!
