Advice to the Class of 2017

Advice to the Class of 2017,

I have some advice for you.  Let’s pretend I am your favorite Aunt.  You know, the one you go to for advice and to chat with about life, love and lessons learned?  Here is a great list of 19 things nobody tells you about life after graduation

First of all, Aunt Lorri wants you to take the time over the next few days to have a REAL conversation with a teacher {or three} you are staring to realize made a difference for you! Especially if you weren’t her/his favorite. Take the time to say, “Thank you” to the janitor, the lunch counter lady, your coach, the team mom, the guidance counselor’s secretary.. You’ve no idea the sacrifices they have made for you. You will realize it one day, but today.. Just trust me and go. Look them in the eye, hug or shake their hand and say, “I’m sorry and/or Thank you!”

You’re on a roll.  Do more!

Contrary to the words of songs.  These are actually NOT the best years of your life.  They might be the best, so far.  But, for others they might not have been fantastic.  So now, go and find a younger student {or a younger sibling, gasp!} and tell them to “hang in there!” Go and tell them that studying makes the classes easier and grades higher, makes the teachers respect you more and your parents happier.

Tell them it’s ok to keep your grade school, middle school or neighborhood friends while you add new ones.  Please tell them it’s A GOOD THING to work hard, be smart and make great grades.  Promise them it’s ok to wait to date or drive.  Go tell the one student you were hardest on, ugliest with that you are sorry you were a jerk and that you realize now the squabbles you had were really your own misdirected insecurities. {You can do it, I promise.}

Go for it! Now, go home and tell your parents you love them.  Then let them know you are thankful for them and that you aren’t all the way there yet, but that you realize they aren’t aliens. Thank them for being at your ballgames, concerts or whatever off campus events you were part of.

Maybe, just maybe, let them know you are aware that there is an off-chance that they are right more often than they were wrong.  Maybe.

Love,

{Aunt Lorri}