This week, the class of 2024 turned their tassels at Highlands School, Blue Ridge, and Summit Charter.
The morning was filled with mixed emotions, as is always the case. Proud parents shared smiles and even a few tears with their graduates, who are moving on to a new stage in life. While the grads themselves took a moment to reflect on what their time at Highlands School has meant to them before crossing the stage.
For many, high school graduation is the first line to cross as we head into adulthood. The fall will bring college, trade school, the military, or a full-time job, and with that a new set of challenges and responsibilities.
With an eye on what the future will bring, here are some sage words of wisdom for the class of 2024, from the staff here at The Highlander.
• Effort is more important than ever – No matter what path you are taking after high school, the next few years will go a long way to determining your adult life. Whether it’s long hours of studying in a library, long nights at an entry level job, or anything in between – the one thing you are most responsible for is your effort. Work hard and do your best.
• There will be failures – Nobody is perfect and successful people aren’t afraid to reach outside their comfort zone and try new things. Sometimes it doesn’t work out the way we plan, but rather than focus on the negative the key is to learn from our missteps and become wiser for the experience.
• Attitude is everything – The real world can be an incredible difficult place, and it seems to be getting more difficult every day. So having a positive mindset and being willing to make a positive impact on the people around you can go a long way. Being a good friend, sibling, coworker, etc. is just as important as having the skills to do a particular job.
• Not-so-social media – Social media is not real life. Influencers, celebrities, and products can’t replace actual human interaction and friendships. Having an online presence is fine, but don’t let it become too big in your real life.
With the rigors of high school in the rear view mirror, the world is wide open to the class of 2024. Let’s wish them all luck as they make their way into adulthood.