Amid innumerable celebrations for the graduating class of 2016, there is a certain carefree atmosphere and a desire to be oneself. This major change comes with the realization that the cliques and rumors don't mean anything anymore, and have never really meant much. Many of us stopped hanging out with the people we grew up with, or at least didn't hang out with them as much. In high school, at least for me, I wanted to try to be friends with everyone; someone everyone knew and liked. However, after working a thirty-seven hour week even in the beginning of summer, I realized that it's no use. You have your friends and the people you could just talk to if they were in a similar situation. Most people are in the same boat when they're stuck in math class at 9:30 in the morning. Out in the real world, it's not the same.
When I'm not working, I try to enjoy myself as much as possible. I realize that the land of opportunity is not a place, it's a time frame. Until the halfway-point of my twenties, I have a lot of time to create lasting memories. Late adolescence to young adulthood is the place to be. Money is important, but not as much. Time flies by, so we all try to make the most out of every minute. This is the only place where the experience and the "dangerous" behavior of being young are more important than money and keeping up with the Joneses.
Back in the academic clink that many people make high school out to be, social bravery is risky business. As shown in The Breakfast Club, most popular people would never be caught dead with someone who isn't in that same bracket, but once the diploma is in hand and the caps fly through the air, people change. At least, some of us do. Those who are stuck in a high school mindset are often left behind by their mature peers who alienate them for still trying to be popular. They end up really missing out on the experience.
These days are really highlighted by fires, beach days, long nights and early mornings. Hangovers at work, 3 a.m. home arrivals and ultimately poor choices in dining out. These days can be deadly, as well. There are always stories of recent high school graduates dying in car wrecks and things like that. It's always sad to hear about these tragedies because of the people they leave behind and the dreams that may have never come true for them. They say only the good die young, and that's because dying young usually means dying happy. There hasn't really been enough time for the world we live in to turn us into cynics and pessimists. Young people tend to be more trusting and more accepting, and are looked upon as more compassionate because of this. Those who have lost a friend will agree.
As overused as the saying may be, this still rings true: Live for now. Now is all we have, and the future will have to wait. We have no real responsibilities right now (unless you have a kid or something) and we should make the most of the Summer of 2016. Find your friends and go do something fun. Something you'll remember (or not). No matter who they may be, remember who they are. When you show up to your high school class reunion, don't be that person stuck in the past, reliving past glories of high school. Sure, try to get laid that night, but don't be that guy who brings up something embarrassing about someone else. Remember that everyone has changed for the better. It'll come in handy when you tell your kids (or whoever may ask) how you met your significant other. These next few years are very likely to bring that special someone into your life. Be prepared, but don't stress; have a lust for life.
