To the high school graduate,
They say there are two kinds of students where you are right now. There is the introvert that is praising hallelujah with the chorus because the worst part of life is over -- no more petty drama, and finally the opportunity to explore the path that eventually leads to the rest of your life. Then there is the social butterfly, heartbroken more than anyone else to leave, taking notes from every teen movie ever and expecting the next few years to be somewhat the same as the last.
Now I can only tell you what I’ve learned in those few years ahead of you, and give you advice my 17 year old self needed to hear. The rest is all subject to the choices you make and the feelings you decide to pursue with this clean slate.
Speaking of clean slates, take full advantage of this one. Reinvent yourself, be the person you want yourself to be. It will take a lifetime to learn who that is, but the experiences that come with losing high school confinements will surely lead you there.
On your way to discovering/becoming the ultimate “you”, it’s important to keep in mind that that doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want. I believe there is a place we are all meant to be. Chasing your own happiness is the end goal of self exploration, and using the lessons you learn (hopefully) brings you to a place that gives you a sense of belonging. What is it you want to do? How will you and those around you benefit from what you can do? Your impact on the world doesn't have to be historical, but it should mean something to you or those you care about.
This road will be paved with hardships unlike any you’ve encountered before. The weight of adulthood isn’t quite yet on your shoulders, but the burdens loom just over head. This critical moment before entering the real world is the time to not only try new things but to practice taking responsibility for everything you do. It may seem trivial and obvious, but accepting even things you cannot control for what they are will take you further than you think. Once you’ve learned this, it will be easier to focus on a solution rather than how you wish it could have been.
Probably most important of any advice I could give to to keep caring about the people in your life. Friends will come and go, but at some point they were significant to you, and contributed to shaping who you are now, whether that be because they kept your head up during your sorrows, or because they kept you down and taught you to carry yourself. It’s inevitable to lose loved ones to unpredictable storms and quiet escapes, so don’t forget that they were just that -- loved ones. Even more important than this is to always always remember that family is forever. We all want the perfect family, and are paraded with images of mom, dad, sister and brother to compare with what we have. But the truth is we all have our skeletons, and our families come in infinite shapes and sizes, and that’s just fine. Family members are the only ones to see you through all the forms you take on, the only ones to keep you so close you know that everything can be okay. Family isn’t always the picturesque photo posted on every billboard at Christmas, but it’s the absolute most meaningful factor of life you’ll ever have.
When your mental and emotional states are on their way to security, it’s time to buckle down on the skills that will give your new life momentum. Refining your work habits is best down from the get-go. Learn from any laziness and procrastination disasters from high school and motivate yourself to stand out academically. Not only will the source of your funds appreciate it, but extra likes from professors and colleagues won’t ever hurt. Taking on small jobs here and there will help to hone in on attributes such as, punctuality, conciseness, and professional language. Take on jobs that interest you, or get involved with a community at school, or even apply for things that have nothing to do with your end game! Every experience is useful in the working world, so don’t turn down pizza delivery or reception just because you think it’s boring.
I’ll end this note with a simple piece: if you don’t already, learn to love spending time alone. Rid of the feeling of loneliness and get to know yourself when you’re on your own. For some, this is a given, being by yourself is easy as long as you have something to do. For others, it’s a terrifying feat to be left with one’s own thoughts. But, as most things that come with growing up, it will improve the quality of your life and relationships. Spending time alone is important for recharging your mind and gives you chance to think more deeply about solutions to your problems. It’s all about mind over matter, controlling your own thoughts and feelings instead of letting them take control over you.
And that’s all I have for you at this point in my own life, disregarding plenty of lessons I have yet to face myself. So keep an open mind and stay true to who you are, and in the long run, it’ll work out better to not sulk over the things you missed out on doing, and instead look forward to the adventures (big or silent) you have yet to plan.
Yours truly,
A senior in college
