Although the old saying is ‘youth is wasted on the youth,’ I think advice is also wasted on the youth. I know I thought I knew everything when I was 18. (Boy, was I wrong) But I feel obligated to take a shot at it, so here goes.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Class of 2016!
Today you’re standing on the precipice of your future. What you do decide to do with it is now up to you, not your parents. This means they can’t make you do what they want you to do anymore. Most of you will probably rejoice at this news, some of you are probably secretly terrified.
You’re going to make mistakes along the way. Everyone does. Accept them, learn from them and move on.
Freedom, independence and adventure are all around the corner. No one will yell at you to do your college homework or to tell you to go to bed before 2 a.m. because you have to work in the morning. Dad won’t be there to get the oil in your car changed, and mom won’t be there to do your laundry or make you a grilled cheese.
They also won’t be there to provide the things you once took for granted, like toilet paper, milk, bread, and cell phones. Bet you have no idea how expensive some of that stuff is.
Be responsible for yourself, your life, and your well being. No one is around to hold your hand any longer and you don’t need them to.
Get a credit card but don’t rack up debt. Credit cards aren’t free money. I know many people who were still paying off their college credit cards in their thirties. Only charge what you know you can pay off at the end of the month. There’s nothing you need at this point of your lives that can’t wait. Sure, a new stereo system or spring break beach vacation would be nice, but if you can’t afford them they can wait.
Start saving money early. I know you’ve heard this so often you’re probably tired of hearing it, but the old adage is true. Instead of buying that $5 Starbucks cappuccino every morning put the money in the bank. You will be amazed at how fast it adds up.
Treat people with respect, especially your parents. They may seem like really boring people to you, but guess what? They weren’t always that way. Once upon a time they were just like you, young, carefree, and doing all kinds of interesting things. You’re the reason they got boring. Because of you they had to be responsible and get jobs to pay for your food, clothes, and place to live, doctor’s bills, sports equipment, music lessons, books, video games and everything else you couldn’t live without. Thank them.
Be yourself. You may not believe it now, but after high school no one cares how popular you were, who you went to prom with or that you scored the most touchdowns for the season. So be you. You’ll be happier and you’ll make some great friends who appreciate you for who you really are.
Be smart. Not with just your college courses, but the choices you make. Contrary to popular belief life doesn’t owe you anything. There are people in your life who are there to help you with life’s lessons. Listen to them and learn from them. You don’t always have to agree with them, but know they’re there because they want to help you succeed.
Take care of your body, it’s the only one you’ve got. Suddenly free to make their own meal choices, most young adults don’t start out very well. Junk food is delicious. Junk food is cheap. Junk food makes your body sick when it’s all you eat. Unfortunately eating healthy costs more, but your body will thank you for it and for exercising a few days a week.
Take risks and don’t be afraid to fail. Do something that scares you. Join all the organizations you can. Dance badly. Sing loudly (at least in your car).
Take life seriously but have fun while doing so. Without fun the rest of it’s not worth anything. So have fun, play hard, study hard, meet people, and most importantly, live a great life and do great things.
You can contact Penny Leuthard at pleuthard@gmail.com or 320-493-6030 with comments or Clearwater/Clear Lake feature ideas.
