Inside: Do you ever think about what you would say if you were to give a commencement address at graduation? Here’s the best advice for high school graduates from a middle-aged mom.
It’s the start of graduation season, and as I do every year, I love reading the commencement addresses from so many thought-provoking people. From Sandra Bullock’s “If someone doesn’t want to play with you, it’s okay!” to a U.S. Navy Admiral’s “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed,” I am constantly inspired by the great nuggets of information.
That got me thinking, as my twins will be high school seniors next year, and if I were asked to give their commencement speech (which would literally make their heads explode), what advice would I offer to graduating seniors?
I imagined myself looking at all those fresh young faces with their caps tilted on their heads and their flowing gowns sitting on their shoulders, and I thought back to when I was their age.
What do I wish someone would have told me that could have changed how I tackled life? What words of wisdom could I share to someone with a brand new high school diploma in their hands?
Here is the best advice for high school graduates from a middle-aged mom.
1. Prioritize Sleep.
As you continue to build your life, there will be so many more reasons you won’t get enough zzzzzs. Fight the urge to stay up late for no good reason and go to bed early. Try to get eight hours of sleep. Do it now, as there will be a time not so far off into the future when you will give away your left arm for just five more minutes.
2. Don’t think high school–or even college–is the pinnacle of your life.
These years shape you, but they don’t define you. You may not know what the future holds, but you don’t want high school to be the best years of your life. It’s nice to keep your old friends close, but don’t be afraid to branch out and widen your circle either. Different experiences will always help you to grow both professionally and personally.
3. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
Life is fluid. Just because you haven’t found your passion yet doesn’t mean you are a failure. I know a woman who went to law school and then found her calling when she opened a coffee shop, and men who received their teaching degrees at forty years old and finally found fulfillment. Your college major doesn’t determine your destiny. Keep searching for your joy and look at every opportunity as a learning experience.
4. Find a hobby
Networking for business is important, but networking for life is essential. Take a rock climbing class, learn to play golf, get your black belt, join a bike riding club, create pottery, or find a book club. Do something besides work, because someday you may have a family and real responsibilities, and your “passion” may be the only thing that keeps your sanity. Trust me.
5. Don’t put off the dentist.
Root canals suck. Take care of your teeth, and they will take care of you.
6. Always say yes
Try always to say yes when someone asks you to go have a drink, a cup of coffee, or a meal. Building relationships can help your career, but it also helps you live a happier life. Connection is the key to fulfillment.
7. Don’t ever be afraid to start at the bottom and do the grunt work.
No matter what age you are. You learn the most by doing and you never know when you can pick up a valuable new skill. I can still solve any copier paper jam known to man based on the skills I learned at my first job. There is no job too menial and if/when you are the boss, your employees will appreciate you so much more if they know you are willing to get your hands dirty.
8. Live frugally.
You will feel like you are making a ton of money, but that will not stop Visa from knocking on your door. Stuff will never fill a void caused by insecurity. Live within your means for as long as you can.
9. Trust your gut.
Believe in that spidey sense when something feels off, and listen to your instincts when it comes to taking risks and chasing your dreams. You don’t need anyone’s permission to kick ass in this world.
10. Travel. Go. Anywhere.
Vacation abroad, take a drive, go to a museum. Volunteer for the overseas assignment if it makes sense. Take a day trip to a different city. Explore every nook and cranny of where you live. Experience life and don’t be scared of new places. It will change who you are as a person for the better. Because one day, you will be so busy that a three-day trip to your parents will seem like a small military maneuver. Related: Ten Must-Have Travel Accessories for Teens for a Memorable Trip
11.Find a mentor.
I don’t care what your degree is in; you have no idea what you are doing. Find someone you admire, and ask them to be available for your questions. Take them to lunch or coffee. Appreciate their knowledge even if you don’t always agree with it. Then, when you get some experience under your belt, do it for someone else.
12. Be uncomfortable.
Sign up for new things that make you feel weird. Challenge yourself and your thinking. Read books from people you disagree with and volunteer for a cause you know nothing about. Step out of your comfort zone whenever you can. Expose yourself to everything you can and see how your mind and empathy develop in ways you never thought possible.
13. Don’t be fooled by shiny things
That shine fades over time, while the gold of strong relationships never tarnishes. No amount of money makes being miserable in your job day in and day out tolerable. If possible, find what you love, and then do that. When looking for a job, ask about the company culture, opportunities for growth, and creativity. Do they value work-life balance or want total allegiance to their bottom line. Successful people often come out of dynamic corporate cultures that value their employees and help them along their career path. Don’t get so caught up in working for a brand that you burn out from the onset.
14. Don’t think you will be happy “one day”
Don’t believe you will be “if only” you scored the perfect job, found the perfect partner, buy the perfect car. Happiness exists down almost any life path as long as you are grateful for the present and develop meaningful relationships.
15. You don’t have to do something extraordinary to succeed or have a meaningful life.
Focus on doing something good for one person every day, and you will leave behind a powerful legacy.
16. If you feel like you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong place.
You will never grow if you aren’t with people who can challenge you to think differently, expand your view, and show you how to approach problems from a different perspective.
17. Whenever possible, call your mom and dad.
Often. They invested a lot in your upbringing, and you owe it to them. Ask their advice, even when you don’t need it. But don’t ask for money. Even though they’ll give it to you anyway.
Congratulations to the class of 2025! Go forth and conquer!
Do you have a high school graduate (or even a college graduate?) Here are a few posts other parents have found helpful.
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