Seniors at Anzar, San Andreas and San Benito high schools will
step across stages to accept hard-earned diplomas this week and
next, prompting us to think about advice we’d give to the newly
minted graduates.
Seniors at Anzar, San Andreas and San Benito high schools will step across stages to accept hard-earned diplomas this week and next, prompting us to think about advice we’d give to the newly minted graduates.
First, we’d tell them to attend sober grad nights. It’s going to be the last big blow-out with your classmates, and you don’t want to miss the party. Your parents, teachers and community have worked countless hours to give you a safe but fabulous party for an all-night blast.
Speaking of parents and teachers, graduates owe them a debt of gratitude and a hearty thank you. Most parents have put untold money, time and effort to see their children through high school – and for those of you who are headed to college, those sacrifices will continue.
Teachers, who choose an underpaid and underappreciated profession, have perhaps the most important job in society. During the span of a career, a teacher will affect thousands of young lives. If you’ve had a teacher who has especially helped you, let them know with a sincere note of appreciation.
Our high schools are producing a wide range of graduates – from students headed immediately into the workforce, to those headed to Ivy League schools. We’re proud of them all. Society needs people with a wide variety of skills, talents and interests to function – and every part is important. Whether your future is manual labor or MIT, be proud of yourself and do your best.
Some graduates may not be headed to the college of their choice – perhaps due to grades or finances. Don’t let that discourage you. Life doesn’t always work out the way we plan; sometimes it works out better. Take advantage of the opportunities you have, study hard and get the best education you can – no matter where you’re going to school.
Now that you’re graduating high school, you’re probably 18 – or just about to turn 18. That means you’re old enough for one of our society’s most important, dare we say sacred, tasks – voting. Voting is the cornerstone of our system of government, yet a woefully low number of adults can be bothered. Establish the habit now – follow the issues and cast an educated vote in every election.
Finally, we advise every graduate, no matter what their situation, to set their sights high – don’t take the easy way out. Follow your heart – if you want to become a doctor, but don’t know how to pay for medical school, don’t give up your dream. Find a way.
If you want to make a living as an artist, but worry about paying for food and rent, know that you can make it happen.
Two important proverbs apply here: Do what you love and the money will follow; and do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Congratulations to the members of the classes of 2003 – and to everyone from family to teachers to school secretaries to classroom volunteers who had a hand in helping them reach this important goal – you made it!
