Tonight’s blockbuster hit in Franklin County could be titled: “Rockin’ in the Free World.” That’s how we imagine many of this year’s high school graduates are feeling as they prepare for tonight’s ceremonies.
Having survived the pressures of classes, tests and graduation requirements, the Class of 2016 is set to say goodbye to high school and take that fateful walk to receive their diplomas. Sure, there will be tears and perhaps a bit of trepidation as part of the mix of emotions for these young people as they get ready for a new phase of life. But just as they handled what the past years of school and life have tossed their way, these newly minted graduates will find their way.
Some are headed off to four-year colleges and universities. Others will continue their education through a two-year college like Greenfield Community College. Still, others are headed off to work or have decided on military service, and there are members of the class that have decided to take a year before committing to the direction they want to take.
It’s all good — life is more a marathon than a sprint. And those years of high school and before have provided each graduate with the kind of preparations necessary to compete.
That’s not to say the run ahead will be easy. Even for the student who took it all seriously or those who seemed to breeze through it all, what’s coming will present unfamiliar challenges along the way.
The terrain is changing, for example. If high school had become old hat, college or work will require time to figure out the lay of the land. And it won’t just be getting from one place to another, it also means navigating oneself in a field of new people. And these men and women will be accompanied by new ideas, new expectations and new strategies for getting ahead.
Our advice: Observe and learn. Listen to what people have to say. Be open to ways to improve one’s self . It should all be aimed at becoming a better person. Expect to stumble at times, may be even going off course or falling. But get up, dust yourself off and start moving again.
In other words, run your race.
To the Class of 2016: Congratulations on successfully crossing this finish line and good luck ahead. Continue to make your family proud.