I am so excited for you and so proud. You have graduated high school! And with that comes a time that is unlike any other, where for the first time you will soon not have to answer to the adults in your life in the same way you did, where large decisions will fall to you, and you alone, and learning curve is much steeper than you realize. Best of luck graduates, you'll do great.I do have some advice for you though, about this last summer home before you move. Whether moving across country, state, or staying at home, this summer is a special one. Remember that.
1. A Summer of Adventures
Go have fun this summer, take a trip you've always wanted to take, spend time with friends that you will be separating from come August. This is just the beginning of being able to do things like this, so start small while you're still at home and can have help from parents if you need it.
2. Speaking of Mom and Dad...
Don't alienate them. This is one of my biggest regrets from my late teens. Instead of celebrating adulthood alongside my parents, I pushed them aside. Instead of saying thank you for all they had done, I acted as if I had done it all my own. They will continue to do so much for you as college begins and pushing them aside does no one any good. You will need them when you get into your first accident or have to drop your first class. Just knowing your parents will catch when you will inevitably fall makes all the change ahead seem less scary.
3. Work Hard
The value of the dollar is going to start to mean more to you as you begin to finance more and more of your own life. Boring, I know, but true. Budget, work hard, save up. Take all the handouts you can from family members and send thank you cards. College can be a bit expensive, and in unexpected ways, so plan ahead for that.
4. Get Up and Pray
You are now in charge of your sleep schedule. Make time for Christ. Make time for church. Be the adult who can pull their sleepy self out of bed and go to Mass, because mom isn't going to be giving you the wake up calls anymore.
5. Ask For Help
You are going to need it. At some point. Whether you ask me, your older sister, your RA, or your boss, you aren't alone in this. Just because you are a legal adult does not mean you have to do this alone! Ask for help when you need it.
6. Say Thank You
Remember those thank you cards I mentioned? Send them. There is nothing more polite telling people thank you for what they've done for you. And not just your guests, your friends, your teachers, your parents and grandparents. They helped you take the baby steps that contributed to your last few steps to take your diploma and throw your cap. Thank 'em for it.
7. New and Old
You are about to start something very new to you, meet new people, and begin a new life of sorts. You don't have to remain the same. This is an opportunity to change and grow. My brother, to our surprise, went Greek his freshman year. Several years later, he told it was because he wanted to be a different person than he was in high school. He wanted an environment that would help him to become more social, that would help stay accountable to his academics, and give him leadership opportunities. This summer is a good chance to ask what you like about yourself, what you are proud of, and what you wouldn't mind changing. Figure out who you want to be a year from now, four years from now, and be open to the new that will make that happen.
Proud of you, graduates. Make the best of the summer.
Tota tua.
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