A Message for High School Graduates

For some of you (at least those of you who go to CHS) tonight is the night that you have waited for. Tonight, you will walk across that field and get that special piece of paper that means “YOU MADE IT!” Right now, you’re probably feeling all kinds of emotions. You’re happy, deep down you’re sad, and deep deep down you’re probably scared. You probably won’t admit it to anyone, but there is probably something deep within you that really just wants things to stay the way they are. You might not even realize it right now.

Looking back on my graduation a year ago, I have some things I wish people had told me and my friends. So I figured, before it’s too late, I should share them with you.

 

1.     Hug ALL of your classmates tonight.

 

Why? You may ask. Because there is a good chance you may never see some of them again. And even if you do, it may be a long time. This is one I think my senior class took for granted. We didn’t believe we wouldn’t see each other frequently, or better yet, some of us didn’t care.  You’ll be surprised when even you and some of your closest friends don’t talk for a while. You’re at the point where you’re just ready to be done. You’re tired of school and you’re ready to be in college and have some “freedom.” But take the time to tell your classmates how much you love them. A lot can happen in a year, and there is no guarantee that they’ll still be around. Hug them, tell them you love them, and enjoy the last moments you have as high schoolers together.

 

2.     Hug your family.

 

A lot of you are moving off to go to college. Although you may tell yourself that you’ll make time to go home, that won’t always be the case. You’ll get to college and you’ll make new friends. You’ll have homework and projects. Soon, your weekends that you had planned to go home are filled. You’ll skip out on going home that weekend because ALL of your new friends are going to the movies. Or you have a HUGE presentation Monday, and you know you won’t get any of it done if you go home. Your family has loved you and cared for you for 18-19 years. Hug them tight and thank them for that. And make time to go home. You’re friends in college will poke fun at you, I promise. But don’t let that stop you from going home to visit your family.

 

3.     It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

 

You are probably too hyped up right now to realize it, but beginning college is kind of overwhelming. Right now you’re probably excited about moving out and being away from your parent’s watchful eyes. But before long you’ll be moving into a dorm or an apartment. Your parents will load up your stuff, help you unload the cardboard boxes, and then they’re gone. Then you’re suddenly left in a sea of unpacked cardboard boxes wondering what’s for supper. You’re left alone to figure out life and what to do next. It’s okay to want to curl up in a ball and cry. Totally normal. But eventually you will become use to your new life, and it won’t be as overwhelming.

 

4.     Don’t be afraid to make new friends.

 

For some reason when I graduated, I think my senior class had the impression that we were all just going to stay together and be bff’s forever. Let me just tell you that that is not how it works. You can’t go into college with the mindset that you don’t want any new friends. Probably the thing I love most about college is that I get to pick who my friends are. Now don’t take that the wrong way! I LOVE my high school friends and I’m still best friends with some of them. BUT the truth is, in high school your friends are basically chosen for you. You have a small pool of kids your age that you get to choose from, so you just gravitate towards the people that are *most* like you (even if they’re really not like you at all.) College is a whole new world! You’re in a world of people of all sizes, shapes, colors, and ages. There are so many people to choose from. So don’t be afraid of hurting your high school best friend’s feelings. You still love him/her, but you’ve got to step out and meet some new people. It will be the best decision you ever make.

 

5.     Study and GO TO CLASS. Professors don’t care if you pass or fail.

 

Unlike in high school, professors don’t always have your best interest at heart. They get their paycheck whether you pass or fail. So make sure you study hard, and actually ATTEND class. Just because the notes are online doesn’t mean you can pass the test without going to class. With the exception of a few awesome professors, you’re basically on your own. So good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

 

6.     Put God first if He isn’t already there.

 

I know you’re probably going to tune me out on this one. But just take the time to think about it. Thankfully, this was not an issue for me, but I know for a lot of college students it is. You get to college, and you’re away from your parents. You think you run the world and that you can do anything. This is a dangerous way of thinking. Here’s something I want you all to know: You don’t have to go to the parties to enjoy college. I know most of you will, but I just want you to know that you don’t have to. It’s not a requirement. When I first got to JSU, my goal was to become heavily involved in some kind of ministry. I did. And it has been the best decision I have ever made. I have made some of my best friends through ministries and they are friends I know I can trust. Because here is the deal, college lasts for 4 to 6 years for most people. Then it’s over. And you’re kicked out into the REAL world (Because just fyi, college isn’t the real, REAL world.) What foundation do you want to have when you’re suddenly jolted into the real world? Because you can sit here and tell me “Well Hannah, I’ll start going to church again once I get out of college. I will get right with God after I’ve had my fun.” And I’m just here to tell you: No, you won’t. If you start off college WITHOUT God, chances are, you will go the rest of your life without Him. Make good friends. Don’t just make friends with people who will act stupid with you. Because when your 4+ years are up, chances are those kind of people won’t hang around in your life. So my advice to you is this: Don’t be stupid. People will give you plenty of opportunities to act stupid. Don’t take them. Decide today whether or not you’re going to make God and church a priority in your college life. Because before you know it, it might be too late.

 

 

Congratulations, Class of 2015. You guys are going to do great things! Enjoy tonight. Get excited about the new adventures ahead of you. And remember, DON’T BE STUPID. Your future self will thank you for it.

 

“You’re off to great places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!”  - Dr. Seuss

 

Good Luck, and God Bless!
 

 

Hannah ♥