Congratulations, Rowan-Salisbury seniors, today is your graduation day. You have come so far and you deserve to be commended.
If your high school graduation is anything like mine, today will be filled with mixed emotions — you might cry and you’ll probably laugh. You’ll probably spend some time contemplating the last four, or even 12, years of your academic career and anticipate all the things to come.
If I could go back to May of 2009, I’d take myself out for coffee and we’d have a nice, long talk. Since I don’t have that luxury, I’ll clue you in on a few of the things I would say.
Graduation is a new beginning. You walk off that stage with a blank slate. Embrace it. Whether you’re headed to college, a career, the military or somewhere else, today is the first day of a new chapter in life. Make it a good one.
Choose your friends wisely, and choose a variety of them. You will learn more from people who are different from you, but you still need the like-minded ones to keep your foundation strong. Keep the friends who have stood by your side close, even if life separates you geographically.
Don’t get so wrapped up in your schedule that you’re too busy to help out a friend or stranger in need. Be a listening ear, give a hug, offer a ride — you’ll never know how much the little things can mean.
Make this new chapter of life one of discovery. Find out who you are, what you like and what you’re good at. Don’t let someone tell you you’re not good enough to do something, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Young adulthood offers a host of opportunities you will never get again. Try something different — whether it’s food, music, a place or an internship — you might discover something you love.
Get some sleep. Do your best. Have fun. Laugh.
Enjoy your new beginning.
Contact education reporter Jeanie Groh at jgroh@salisburypost.com or 704-797-4222.