If you could give your high school self advice upon graduation, what would it be?
I’ve been asked to speak at a Manhattan high school’s commencement next week. Given that I remember little except that my own high school’s commencement speaker (a board member) was mind-numbingly boring and woefully off topic (classmates remind me that she spoke about death.
So … I’m asking you - if you could give your high school self advice upon graduation, what would it be?
Many a person says commencements are about beginnings however today you start the next step on a journey to a start. Will you be free to make your own choices, absolutely. Will there be great times ahead, to be sure. But with freedom comes the burdens of responsibility. No more can you slack off and know that someone else will cover you.
So this advice I pass to you as the best of wisdom from someone who has passed this way before.
A) Live life like everyday is precious. The next so many years may be the most care free and fun of your life. Savor the day and walk through these days with your head held high and engaged in life.
B) Form friendships and know that some of these people will form the foundation of your life for years to come. Likewise enemies made from here on out may last a lifetime and they will reappear in the future when you least appreciate it.
C) Do not waste these years or the opportunities that they will present. Your future is out there for you to discover, enjoy life but do not party so hard that you miss the sign post pointing the way towards your bright future.
D) Make the best choices you can since from here on out your choices count and will make a difference in the future.
If nothing else, when all else fails think in terms of what you will say to your future self when you get there.