Last week, a group of young men and women reached another milestone. They graduated from high school. I remember my graduation like it was yesterday. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment. There was a little fear mixed in, and a little uncertainty. I had plans to attend St. Cloud Technical College (that’s what it was called way back in 1974), I was going to learn the printing trade, and since I was already working at the Record doing commercial printing, it seemed logical that I advance my education and learn more about the trade I was planning for my future.
I’m sure this year’s group of graduates is no different than any other group; some will go on to college, some will attend a trade school, some will go on to work, some may get married to their high school sweetheart, and still others don’t have an immediate plan.
High school graduation is just a small step into an adult’s life. It’s a passage into another set of responsibilities. No more high school classes to attend. No more high school activities (until they have their own kids who attend school).
Naturally, those who graduated will lose touch with some of their classmates and friends, as they take the next step into their adult lives and meet new friends. Some graduates already have their lives planned and believe they know what their future holds. Something I believe a lot of young adults learn after graduation is that life gets a lot more complicated, and sometimes a lot more difficult, after high school.
From experience, I can tell the class of 2025 that there will be times in your future lives when you will wish you could go back to the days you just left behind. There may be times when you wish you could go back in time and make some changes to the choices you’ve made. To the class of 2025, I can tell you that no matter what you decide to do with your future, you can be sure that if you put the effort into your goals, you will have every opportunity to succeed. You may have disappointments, but everyone does, and the best you can do is learn from them and never give up.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your high school days are now a part of the memories you will make for the rest of your lives.
Have A Good Week!
