Breaking Away

Graduation Day.

Just uttering those two simple words evoke a multitude of complex emotions and dreams, both in the minds of parents and students alike. Our world has become global in scope, socially minded in conscience, technologically connected and economically tied in reality, much different than when we parents stood in their shoes all those years ago.

As parents, we want our kids to realize their full potential and make a difference, regardless of career or major field of study.  Make good decisions.  They will fail and learning will take place as a result.  That may not necessarily be a bad thing.  We pray their mistakes are small ones, but if not, we hope they possess the courage and integrity to do the right thing in the face of adversity, peer pressure and the always available–easy way out. 

Graduates from the Class of 2011: Earn it, own it and get it!

Peanut,

Your mom and I could not possibly be any prouder of you than we are today!

As I look out over the football field….many fond memories come rushing back to me.  This was where I personally watched you grow-up and come of age on the red colored track cheering on the Varsity football team on Friday nights. 

Friday Night Lights.  Moments your mom and I will NEVER forget!

You will no doubt continue to grow into the person you are destined to become. 

Today, you are leaving behind many memories of times good and bad spent in the company of your closest friends.  Friends you will NEVER forget.  While those moments will never be relived, they will live on forever in your memory, continuing to help you grow and influence the person you will eventually become. 

You’ve had an amazing four year run at MHS!

However, in September, you will begin your next four year phase.  If you thought high school was cool, wait until you get to Rider. 

You were built for a career in education. You are destined to become a lifetime influence on the students you will teach in the years to come. Remember how you loved Ms. Scheflen from South Valley Elementary?

As you prepare for college, here are a few things to remember as you travel up to Lawrenceville in just a few months:

Remember it’s a journey, not a destination:

Remain a nice person. Not naïve but kind. Mean people suck. They always have. They always will.

Look for the good in people. If it’s not there……look a little harder.

Never take yourself too seriously. Many others will do that for you in your lifetime; strangers, work colleagues, neighbors, authority figures, etc.

Laugh at yourself. You are amazingly unique. Use that to your advantage.

Laugh often. Use humor to get through the many speed bumps of life.

Don’t be afraid to do something silly, waste time needlessly, wander aimlessly or act goofy.  Give your brain a break now and then. 

Remember to just breathe. This too shall pass. The sun will shine again. I promise.

“All you need is Love” is at best a half truth. Remember the Beatles were quite rich when they wrote that. You will need money. However, try not to confuse the two. True love will get you through the times where you have little or no money. Your mom and I know this to be true.

Worry about what you can control in life. Let go of what you cannot control in life. Be smart to know the difference between the two. Time and experience will help teach you to understand the difference.

Perform random acts of kindness, favors for friends (who didn’t ask) and help strangers.  The feeling you receive in return will be ten-fold.

Stay young at heart, free in spirit. Do not become jaded or cynical as you mature. This one will be difficult to follow as you grow older. Trust me.

Never let them take your spirit away. They will try.  Never let them win.

Continue to explore your artsy side; music and art are wonderful diversions and hobbies.  They will at times force you to look at things from a different perspective. That’s OK.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Venture off the normal path. Some of the best adventures and discoveries were accidents.

Have fun, but stay focused with your eyes on the prize. Remember why you are attending college in the first place and what your goals are once you graduate college. Stay focused!

Use all the lessons learned and life experiences from your high school days for your college years.

Continue to grow, stretch and push yourself. Never stand still.

Remember you are very creative. Use your creativity when you teach others in the classroom and use your creativity when approaching problems in Life.

Make friends and cultivate friendships discreetly. Remember it takes hard work to be a friend and to be a friend for someone else. Always strive to be a true friend.

Try not to get too high during the good times or too low during the bad times.  In both….try and remain realistic.

Define yourself.  Don’t let the world label you (car, house, career, position). Remember you are the boss of you!

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up.  Ever!

Work hard and play hard. Both are important in life. Find equal time for both to co-exist.  One will give you purpose, the other will help to define you. However, know which is which.

When you’re sad……play some music to cheer you. When you’re happy play your music loudly to cheer others. Never stop rockin’.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you will learn and grow.

Don’t be afraid to risk. No risk, no reward. Risk smartly! Continue to make good decisions.  Trust your heart.

Finally………Be yourself. That’s who we love. And that’s who the world will love in return.

All this and so much more you will learn by simply living and enjoying life. 

Above all else – have fun!  This is your time! This is your moment! Make the best of it!  Go Broncs!

Love,

Dad