Advice for tackling the “real world”

As the last day of high school is finally a few days away, and seniors are about to enter the “real world,” many emotions arise. In about a week, a few hundred students who have experienced twelve years of academics, were a part of several sports teams, established close relationships with teachers and administrators, made lifelong friends, spent a year of high school online, and received a seemingly ordinary senior year will be saying goodbye as they walk across the stage and receive their diploma. So, considering it’s about time to leave one of the only places that feels familiar and enter a new chapter in our lives, being in the “real world” isn’t as terrifying as adults make it out to be.

• Failure is inevitable, whether it’s a relationship, friendship, final grade, test, or a job opportunity, but picking yourself back up is more admirable.
• Choose a career path you’re passionate about, and don’t get stuck in something you don’t enjoy; otherwise, happiness will be insignificant.
• Try different things; whether it’s activities or a career, you never know what you might be more fond of if you’ve never tried it.
• Leaving home and being alone for the first time will be hard. Some days will be easier than others, but always find the good moments each day.
• If you’re going far or staying close to home, don’t forget about your close high school friends and keep in touch with them. They stuck by your immature high school self when you experienced some of the happiest and most challenging moments. Even if you find new friends you’re closer with, those close high school ones will always be there for you.
• Call your parents and family. They provided for you for 18 years; the least you can do is not to treat them poorly once you’re an adult. 
• Look for the positive moments each day to not be outweighed by the dark days.
• Adventure out and see the world before you have too many responsibilities.
• You’re responsible for reaching your goals. No one will be there to hold your hand and ensure you succeed. Success takes determination and lots of hard work.
• Take a step back and slow down. You’re only young once, so enjoy it before things get more complicated.
• Stand up for yourself. There will always be someone who has more power and authority over you but don’t lose your voice in its midst.
• Make small goals along the way to your bigger goals and destination. Make sure you celebrate and appreciate those goals to make your accomplishments more satisfying.
• Never stop learning. It doesn’t have to be academics, but learning something new every day. Pursue your future with an open mind and be willing to learn from those you encounter.
• Everyone’s journey is different, and no one has the same destination in the end. So, don’t feel rushed into finishing school, beginning your desired career, starting a family, or providing those negative people wrong. It’ll only cause you to stress and panic. All good things take time, so it’s okay not to always be on the go.

Graduating high school is special and memorable, but it’s often intimidating with the uncertain future around the corner. Take moments to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments. You just completed eighteen years of school; there is no rush in having your whole future planned out.