TRI-LAKES AREA — During the next several weeks, the school year will come to a close, and the seniors in high schools and colleges in the region will go through the rituals of graduation and turn their attention to the next stage of their lives.
At least I hope they will. I have talked with teachers and administrators of both public schools and colleges who say some of the students facing graduation are unsure of their future and actually reluctant to take that next big step.
One administrator told me about a college student who, having met all the requirements for his degree, would not stop taking classes. The student was clinging to school because he had no plan for the future. I have interviewed students over the last year, many among Arkansas’ best and brightest, who have no clear idea about what is next for them.
Perhaps some of that is understandable. The economy is rough. Jobs are hard to find for those sure of their path, and worse for those not sure of their way.
Educators are also concerned about students who feel graduation is the finish line. In reality, it is just the starting gate, if I can carry the racing analogy another step.
Maybe you should listen to your graduation speech. These speeches are usually written by committees, vetted by counselors or school boards, and delivered in ways that fail to capture the attention, but they can carry some important advice and some points to ponder.
Seniors — both at high school and college — listen for words like potential (that is what you have); opportunity (that is what you have earned and what is being offered in the immediate future); and responsibility (that is what you owe your parents, your community and, most of all, yourself).
Graduates, if you hear those words, listen.
Potential still means you can do almost anything you want, if you know what you want and really care to get it. That remains true; I have seen things open up for students who focus on a goal with enthusiasm and determination.
Opportunity is always there, but unlike the old saying, it may not come to your door. You may have to go looking for it and knock on a lot of doors to find it, maybe even kick on a few. Even today, opportunities have never been better.
Responsibility is the tricky one with the biggest payoff. Sometimes, to do what is best for you, you need to keep others in mind. Think about what you enjoy doing or what you can do best. Now, find a way to help others by doing it. Find something that matches those criteria, and you have a career.
Service to your community is found in many careers; it’s all in how you approach it.
Now step boldly and take that diploma, knowing the next step is even more important.