Dear Class of 2015:
In just a few short weeks you will be graduating from high school. I know this because my mailbox is starting to receive invitations to receptions. I also know this because some of you are scrambling to finish projects and papers, even though you would rather be doing ANYTHING besides this.
So, as you near the end of your high school career, I thought I would share some thoughts. I am not an expert on graduating seniors. I just have observed many senior classes and would like to give you some of my ideas.
1. Enjoy these last few weeks. Honestly, as much as you want to be done with high school, these last few weeks will be some of the best. You have experienced many "lasts" this year, and in the coming days you will experience more. The last time you park in the parking lot. The last time you eat school lunch with your friends. The last paper you'll ever write. The last game in PE class. The last concert. The list goes on and on. But realize that as excited as you are for these "lasts," you may miss some of them in the future. So take it all in.
2. Enjoy graduation day. I know your mom is probably driving you crazy over the reception details, but enjoy the day and the ceremony. It is said every year and is becoming a bit cliche, but that day may very well be the last time all of you are in the same room. Like each other or not, there is a bond that will stay with your until you die. You will always be the "Class of 2015" from Pocahontas Area. This is the time you can talk with everyone in your class. Even the people that you would have never talked to a few years ago. That is what is cool about being a senior. You've matured and can act like the young adults you are.
3. Moving to college will be really hard on some of you. Most of you are ready. But regardless of how ready you are, that move will be hard. And more than likely your mom will cry. Moving is a long, tiring day. But more than that, it's emotional. There will be the excitement of moving into a dorm or apartment. Of getting settled. But then will come the realization that you are staying and your family is going. And there are few words that will be spoken during the goodbyes. And as hard as it is for you to take that long walk from the parking lot to your new home, it will probably be even harder for your parents watching you take that long walk.
4. Not everyone does college the same way. It seems all you hear is how great college is. And for some of you, it will be. I hope it is that way for all of you. But you are all very different, and while some of you might adjust easily, for others the adjustment will be harder. Some of you will call home with excitement in your voice, and others will call home with tears. Some of you will fit in right away. For others it may take a semester or even longer. People will give you all kind of advice about staying around, attending athletic events, meeting people. BUT THE EXPERIENCE WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR ALL OF YOU. You will be happier to find out what works for you. Don't try to fit in the mold.
5. You are going to college for an education. Period. If the reason you are going to school is to party, then save your money by moving there and getting a job to support yourself and your habits. Save the tuition money. College is way too expensive to not go to class or not do the work. If you aren't enjoying the college experiences, then that's okay. You are there to get an education. Never lose sight of that. I can't say there is a "right" way to do college (see number 4), but there is definitely a wrong way. That is by not taking full advantage of the education you are receiving that will ultimately support you for the rest of your lives. There is a popular saying going around (I'm not sure why) that "D's earn Degrees." This may be true, but if you are the employer is this the kind of attitude you would want working for you? And here's the other thing...not all of you should choose college. Because some of you can start working without a college degree. Again...what is right for you?
6. Have a happy life. That is all most of your teachers want for you. We want you to grow into a happy adult with a life that is successful. What is success? Well, that's probably different for each of you. No one can tell you what it means to be successful. But whatever you do, make choices that will get you to a place in your life that you are satisfied and happy. I like nothing better than to check out Facebook and see former students achieving what the set out to do.
So, seniors...good luck to you. It has been a pleasure teaching you and watching you grow into the mature young adults that you have become. Stay in touch. I love hearing how and what you are doing.
In just a few short weeks you will be graduating from high school. I know this because my mailbox is starting to receive invitations to receptions. I also know this because some of you are scrambling to finish projects and papers, even though you would rather be doing ANYTHING besides this.
So, as you near the end of your high school career, I thought I would share some thoughts. I am not an expert on graduating seniors. I just have observed many senior classes and would like to give you some of my ideas.
1. Enjoy these last few weeks. Honestly, as much as you want to be done with high school, these last few weeks will be some of the best. You have experienced many "lasts" this year, and in the coming days you will experience more. The last time you park in the parking lot. The last time you eat school lunch with your friends. The last paper you'll ever write. The last game in PE class. The last concert. The list goes on and on. But realize that as excited as you are for these "lasts," you may miss some of them in the future. So take it all in.
2. Enjoy graduation day. I know your mom is probably driving you crazy over the reception details, but enjoy the day and the ceremony. It is said every year and is becoming a bit cliche, but that day may very well be the last time all of you are in the same room. Like each other or not, there is a bond that will stay with your until you die. You will always be the "Class of 2015" from Pocahontas Area. This is the time you can talk with everyone in your class. Even the people that you would have never talked to a few years ago. That is what is cool about being a senior. You've matured and can act like the young adults you are.
3. Moving to college will be really hard on some of you. Most of you are ready. But regardless of how ready you are, that move will be hard. And more than likely your mom will cry. Moving is a long, tiring day. But more than that, it's emotional. There will be the excitement of moving into a dorm or apartment. Of getting settled. But then will come the realization that you are staying and your family is going. And there are few words that will be spoken during the goodbyes. And as hard as it is for you to take that long walk from the parking lot to your new home, it will probably be even harder for your parents watching you take that long walk.
4. Not everyone does college the same way. It seems all you hear is how great college is. And for some of you, it will be. I hope it is that way for all of you. But you are all very different, and while some of you might adjust easily, for others the adjustment will be harder. Some of you will call home with excitement in your voice, and others will call home with tears. Some of you will fit in right away. For others it may take a semester or even longer. People will give you all kind of advice about staying around, attending athletic events, meeting people. BUT THE EXPERIENCE WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR ALL OF YOU. You will be happier to find out what works for you. Don't try to fit in the mold.
5. You are going to college for an education. Period. If the reason you are going to school is to party, then save your money by moving there and getting a job to support yourself and your habits. Save the tuition money. College is way too expensive to not go to class or not do the work. If you aren't enjoying the college experiences, then that's okay. You are there to get an education. Never lose sight of that. I can't say there is a "right" way to do college (see number 4), but there is definitely a wrong way. That is by not taking full advantage of the education you are receiving that will ultimately support you for the rest of your lives. There is a popular saying going around (I'm not sure why) that "D's earn Degrees." This may be true, but if you are the employer is this the kind of attitude you would want working for you? And here's the other thing...not all of you should choose college. Because some of you can start working without a college degree. Again...what is right for you?
6. Have a happy life. That is all most of your teachers want for you. We want you to grow into a happy adult with a life that is successful. What is success? Well, that's probably different for each of you. No one can tell you what it means to be successful. But whatever you do, make choices that will get you to a place in your life that you are satisfied and happy. I like nothing better than to check out Facebook and see former students achieving what the set out to do.
So, seniors...good luck to you. It has been a pleasure teaching you and watching you grow into the mature young adults that you have become. Stay in touch. I love hearing how and what you are doing.