When it’s the middle of May and the temperature in Mississippi begins to creep — sometimes spike — up around the 90 degree mark, and the look on the faces of the kids around town seem to be a bit more anxious than ever, it can only mean one thing. Well it could really mean a lot of things but in this case it means school is close to being out for summer and high school seniors are about to start marching.
As most all of us have said before, and as we say over and over and over again, time moves so very quickly with every passing year. It’s been 44 years since my graduating class marched across Morgan Field in Newton and I don’t even feel like I should be 44 years old yet. Granted I feel 79 (the year I graduated) years old at times, but what I’m saying is I don’t feel like I have even lived long enough to be feeling that way.
Well, get ready, boys and girls, in a couple of weeks you’ll turn around and look in the mirror and your hair will be gray, if it is even still there, and dark circles and bags under your eyes will remind you that time really flies. But for now, rejoice. Graduating from high school is a great accomplishment of which you should be proud.
That said, it also probably seems like everyone has a bit of advice for you about now, whether it be where to attend college or where to get your first real job. So as not to be left out of the advice doling out, here is my two cents worth. I offer it about this time of year annually so take it, don’t leave it.
Number one, enjoy every single second of your life. It is far too short.
Never forget how to laugh. Some-times it may seem much easier to be sad and sorrowful in this world, but there is plenty of good, and laughter is indeed the best medicine.
College is an important step. If you are going, take it seriously every year, but the first one, especially. Speaking from experience it’s hard to dig yourself out of a hole. You can do it, but it is hard.
Do socialize with other people outside your high school click. Take a chance and you’ll make wonderful lifelong friends and perhaps even find a spouse to boot.
Study hard. Like it or not, study hard.
Try not to spend more money in any given weekend than you can afford. Especially if you don’t have a job.
Get a part time job.
Get to know your professors and advisors. It makes class more enjoy-able, if not easier, and could be a very valuable tool when you are in the job market in a few short years.
When you do finish college or if you are heading straight into the workforce, find a job you like and stick with it. Job hopping is no fun and it’s not good for you nor your employers.
Don’t think you are entitled to any-thing. You are not. Work hard, earn your keep and don’t be lazy.
Don’t lie.
Remember who signs your pay-check.
Get married and raise a family, but don’t think you have to do that right away.
Spend time with your spouse. Become best friends. That’s the only way.
Travel if you can. You don’t have to go to an exotic island or London or Paris. There are lots of great vacation spots right here in the United States and right here in Mississippi as well.
At least once bathe in an icy cold stream on a Colorado mountain top. It’s worth the trip.
Ditch the television, watch your weight, have a hobby or grow a gar-den.
Laugh some more.
Make investments for the future especially when it comes to your child or children’s education. It helps and you’ll be glad you did it.
Drive a country road with your windows down or better yet the whole top down. Sing along to your favorite song as loud as you possibly can.
Hug your children. Listen to what they are saying to you. Hug your hus-band or wife too and tell them all you love ‘em.
Tell ‘em you love ‘em again.
Go fishing.
Go swim in the ocean.
Relax on the beach.
Come back home and visit with your momma and daddy. Thank them for all they’ve done for you. Hug them and tell them you love them too. I promise that, like your reflection in the mirror, they will change very quickly right before your very eyes, and then, sadly, they will be gone.
Go to ballgames with your kids. Embarrass them every time you possibly can. You’ll be glad you did because they too will change even faster than you and your parents did.
For now though, celebrate Class of 2023, this is your time.
Celebrate, rejoice, enjoy life, and always remember...to laugh!
Congratulations!
