Dearest graduates,
High school graduation is an exciting time for all––parents, siblings, friends, faculty, and of course, the graduates. This time of your life is a time when everyone comes together, despite past differences, to celebrate the academic and extracurricular achievements that have made the graduates the people they are today. The students have chosen their next two-to-four-year paths and are excited to embark on new journeys. Fortunately and unfortunately, a lot will change in the next few months and years.
1. You can now use the phrase “in high school..."
Feel old yet?
2. Stereotypes don’t mean much anymore.
Popular kids were cool because they had social power, but social power ends with graduation. Make a name for yourself aside from how you are compared to your peers.
3. You won’t see everyone from high school again, and when you do, it will probably be a little awkward.
Not-so-sly eye contact. Overly enthusiastic greetings. Short-lived conversations. It’s great, really.
4. You will lose touch with some of your friends, but not all of them!
The people who make an effort to see you are your real hometown friends. If excuses repetitively come up, take the hint.
5. Connect with people you never did in high school.
Stereotypes end. People change and grow up. Someone you were never friends with may have the courage to start a friendship with you. Why not take the chance?
6. You’ll discover with whom you want to surround yourself.
High school bullshit is called “high school bullshit” for a reason. Some will carry grudges and try to keep the drama alive. Surround yourself with genuine people who have aspirations and mindsets similar to yours.
7. Bullies might try to re-enter your life.
Be cautious. Most people who picked on others in high school did so for self-assurance and power. Now that you are on to bigger and better things, they see that and either want in or want to bring it down. Don’t let their charm, wittiness, or snide comments win you over.
8. You’ll soon realize how unnecessary high school drama is.
It’s true––things do get better.
9. You’re an adult now…
You’ll hold real-people jobs, pay for adult things, and make decisions that impact your future. Act professionally, carry yourself well and choose wisely.
10. …but you still need your parents.
They know a lot more than you do about managing an adult life. Take their advice and allow them to help you through the process.
11. Be prepared for some tough love.
Your parents want you to grow up just as much as you do. Be ready for fun things like managing your bank account, student loans, laundry, and cooking.
12. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The only way to improve is to move forward, and sometimes you need a little support and guidance from others.
Congratulations on graduation! Life after high school is scary but very fun and rewarding. Be true to yourself and do what is best for you. A lot will change, but it will all end up okay!
