My Advice to High School Graduates

Listen up, friends!! Can you hear that? It’s a huge, collective cheer from the 18-year-olds all across the country!! They’re jumping for joy and throwing their caps in the air in unison — after all, it’s one euphoric celebration! They’re celebrating newfound independence and plotting their next moves. But even as they explore this burgeoning sense of freedom, there’s still lots to learn in this big world! So, naturally, I thought I’d take it upon myself to educate the masses with some advice to high school graduates!! Recent Grads, here’s what you need to know…

There’s more to life

Yes, believe it or not, life does exist beyond the hallowed halls of high school. I know it doesn’t seem that way when you’re living that day-to-to drama; it’s so easy to just get caught up in it and think it’s the be all and end all. But, I promise…it’s most definitely not. You’re going to go on and live a whole life once you walk out those school doors for the last time, and the last four years will become just another blip on the radar of your life.

Those Mean Girls? They don’t matter

I mean, sure, those girls may be making your life a living hell right now, but do you want to know a little secret? Their power doesn’t extend beyond the “control” they have in high school. And I put quotes around the word control because, really, they have about as much power as you’re willing to give them. Who are they, really? In reality, they’re just insecure bullies who pick on others to feel better about themselves. Don’t let them win. In 10 years, I challenge you to go to your high school reunion and show them just how spectacular you are and how they missed out on getting to know an awesome person!

Don’t take people for granted

As famed high school philosopher Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Indeed, life moves fast. Excessively fast. Before you know it, years have passed and life has changed. Live fully and love fiercely — and ALWAYS let those closest to you know just how much you love them before it’s too late. I guarantee you that you’ll never regret saying what’s in your heart. So, set those words free already!!!

What advice would you add? When did you graduate high school? Was the “real world” anything like you thought it would be? And, just for fun, what’s your fondest memory of high school? I’d love to hear all about it, friends!! xoxo