As our local high schools wrap up their commencement exercises and band instructors file away the sheet music for “Pomp and Circumstance,” it’s time to turn the page on a significant chapter in the lives of the Class of 2011.
As they look toward the future, some students will navigate with a
compass pointed in a distinct direction. Many will be influenced by the educational priority that has been placed on careers in science, technology, engineering and math. They’ll let their brains take the lead as they head off to colleges, universities and trade schools this fall with a chosen career in mind and the hope that economic recovery will allow more than a marginal return on their (and their parents’) educational investment.
Others are mindful that the compass can spin a full 360 degrees and will embark on a different path, perhaps a life dedicated to social service, the arts or other exploration. These graduates can appreciate that their journey may be far more valuable than their ultimate destination and they’re anxious to chart their own course out into the world by following their hearts.
Many others will find that their compass is still quietly shifting around, their path undefined. That’s OK. They still have time to figure this out. They can consider community education courses, military service or other employment (if they can find it), among other options, as ways to further explore their choices.
Regardless of the direction of their journey, we expect great things from the Class of 2011. We’re hoping that as they look forward with anticipation that they also take the time to look back with appreciation. Few reach this milestone as a solitary endeavor.
For most graduates there’s an influential someone who helped them reach this point. More likely, lots of someones. They ought to be mindful of the parents, teachers, classmates and school counselors who share in the accomplishment of this moment. Expressions of gratitude to those who helped form the foundation of their future success are always well received.
Perhaps the best advice we can offer the Class of 2011 comes from a quote that has been attributed to Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2011. We wish you the best, wherever your compass leads you.
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