Dear Class of 2016,
You did it, you've finally made it. Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment and one of the biggest milestones of your life. How do you feel? Excited? You should be. For the first time in your life, you're free from your childhood. You're free from all the troubles and excitements from your past four years of high school. You're free to be a part of the real world, but the truth is that's a little scary.
You're going to realize that the real world isn't a land of endless opportunities and freedom, like you may have thought it would be. Whatever picture you had painted in your head of what the real world would be like, erase it, because the reality of it will shatter your expectations. I don't mean to be pessimistic in telling you this, I'm just trying to help you to be realistic. The reality of your life now is that, for the first time, you're fully in control of your own destiny. Wherever you go from here is completely up to you, not your parents or peers.
This is a time where many people go to college. If they don't go away to college, then most likely they're commuting to school or working a job. This is your first real world choice, something most likely made during your senior year. Whatever you happen to do, remember to pour your whole heart into it, but don't get upset if it's not everything you expect it to be. During your first semester out of high school you might change your mind about your major, school, job, relationships or just life in general. That's okay. It's normal to doubt things that used to be a part of your life since this is a time of change. This is a time where a lot of people lose their way, but it's part of the process and you won't be the only one.
Use this summer to embrace your youth. It's most likely the last time everyone you've grown up with will all be together in the same place. In the years to come people are going to move, study abroad, get internships in big cities and begin to leave their hometowns. Appreciate the time you have together now and celebrate all you've accomplished to get there. Take pride in your graduation and relax with your newfound free time. It's okay to work in the summer, in fact, it's probably better but don't overwork yourself you have the rest of your life for that.
Use this time to find your passion. Without the restrictions of high school, you're free to be yourself for the first time. It's possible in high school you were defined by a label: you were a football player, or a cheerleader or the lacrosse captain. It's your chance to define yourself for the first time within real world context. Try new things, find what you're passionate about and then follow that passion.
Mostly, enjoy yourself in the moment. It's a beautiful time to be alive and you should appreciate that.
