Lessons go on long
after graduation is over
Rick Watson Syndicated
Writer
Over the coming
weeks, kids from around the country will walk down isles in flowing
gowns, proudly accept diplomas and turn tassels from right to
left. This traditional act symbolizes the transition from student
to graduate. It is a strange and wonderful time.
May 24 1968 was graduation
day for me and it was filled with excitement, relief and expectation.
But there was also a touch of sadness.
The first three emotions I experienced for weeks prior to graduation,
but it took a while to figure out from where the sadness was coming.
As all my friends and I were scurrying around doing last minute signing
of memory books and saying goodbye, it finally dawned on me why I
was a little sad. I was about to move out of a very important phase
of my young life and I knew I would never pass that way again.
I know a lot of people have tortured feelings about high school,
but I loved it. I was surrounded by my friends, many of which seemed
more like family. But I was also surrounded by loving teachers who
had invested a great deal of their time and energy over the past
several years just to make it possible for me to have a shot in this
old world. I didn't have a clue what was coming, but I think they
did. They encouraged me to dream large. It was a lesson that was
not lost on me.
Another amazing thing that happened on May 24 1968 was my first date
with Jilda Phillips. I had been dating one of her friends, but things
went south and Jilda was there for me. It seemed only natural that
I ask her to be there on graduation night. I know for a fact that
many times she has questioned the wisdom of her decision to go out
with me, but I am so glad she did. I can't imagine my life without
her.
No one asked, but I think I'll provide a little unsolicited advice
for the Class of 2009. These things served me well through the years.
I hope the graduates take what they can use and discard what doesn't
fit.
It's not imperative that you know right now what you want to be in
life. I know your parents might disagree but, I think it's important
to spend some quality time asking questions. College is a good place
to start.
1. Don't dodge the hard classes, but don't be afraid to take some
fun courses that interest you. Astronomy, art and music can be quite
rewarding and can send you in unexpected and interesting directions.
2. Make it a practice to read. You'll discover that books have a
lot to offer and reading is one of life's simple pleasures.
3. Every now and then, take the long way home.
4. Shoot a lot of pictures and keep a journal. Youth is gone in the
blink of an eye, and you'll want to have a record of when you were
thin and had hair.
5. Keep in touch with your old friends.
7. Learn to cook. You cannot imagine how much fun it is to have folks
over to share a good meal.
8. NEVER stop exercising.
Know this: Every day is a school day. Just because you no longer
are "in school" does not mean that your education ends. When you
close your mind, you stop growing. When you stop growing, experiencing
new things and enjoying life, you become old before your time.
One last thing: the best job for you might not mean the job that
pays the most money. Money is great, but if you hate what you do,
you are not doing what you were put here to do. Seniors 2009, go
forth, do something remarkable, and make a difference.
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