The Commencement Curse 570.2
Millions of teenagers across the land are about to leave the womb of high school to a world full of new freedoms and responsibilities. Although many have been waiting for this event for a long time, eager to get on with their lives as liberated adults, the thought of leaving behind friends and familiar places can be scary.
The transition isn’t made any easier by well-meaning adults who deliver what I call the Commencement Curse: “These are the best days of your life.” It’s a curse because, if it’s true, we’re telling kids it’s all downhill from here!
Fortunately, it’s not true. Yes, teenage years include wonderful memories of special friendships and all kinds of firsts. But not all memories are good, and however good they were, they’re not likely to be the best – not even close! In fact, the best is yet to come.
You will keep old friends as long as you have things in common, but you’re sure to make new ones as well. Yes, you’ll face additional challenges and responsibilities, but you’ll gain far greater control over your life to do what you want to do and be who you want to be.
Most of all, if you look in the right places, you’ll discover mature, meaningful love and trusting relationships that provide unbounded fulfillment. And if you wait until you can truly appreciate the comfort of marriage and unequaled joys raising a family, there will be endless moments of profound pride and satisfaction that make your school years seem like kid stuff.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
I graduate in about four more days. I am really excited to be moving on from this stage of life. I made many friendships and thousands of memories I will never forget, but now it is time to say goodbye to all of my peers.
Posted by: Mohamed Rahme | June 10, 2008 10:41 AM
Yes I agree. My parents always told me, "High school are the best years of your life...enjoy it." I never ever believed that. I always thought, "Really? Are you serious? This is as good as it gets...that sucks." But I've come to realize that there is so much better out there. High school is awkward, weird, and dramatic. You're in a place where you're trying to find yourself and find love or true friendships. From my experience, high school was definitely NOT the best years of my life. I had good and bad experiences and encounters, but honestly it wasn't what I expected. I have gained great knowledge and I am graduating this year, so high school and graduation give me satisfaction of what I have accomplished so far. Since my freshman year of high school, I was ready to leave and go into the world of real responsibilities and adulthood. Now that I am closer to it, it is scary, overwhelming but very exciting.
I'm done with the immature, kid stuff.
Posted by: Stephanie S | June 10, 2008 10:49 AM
I AGREE BECAUSE MEMORIES DO REALLY STAY IN OUR HEARTS AND WE ALWAYS FLASH BACK AND START TO REMEMBER WHAT WE WENT THROUGH DURING HIGH SCHOOL...MANY TEENAGERS DO WAIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL TO END BECAUSE THEY WANT TO GO THEIR OWN WAY AND WANT TO BE LIVING THEIR OWN LIVES ALREADY. FOR EXAMPLE, I AM JUST WAITING FOR HIGH SCHOOL TO END AND WANT TO GO LIVE MY OWN LIFE AND GET TO KNOW NEW PEOPLE.
Posted by: Vanessa | June 10, 2008 11:06 AM