High school seniors never have to look very far for advice.
Whether it’s a favorite teacher offering some words of encouragement before heading off to college or into the workforce, a hopeful parent excitedly covering the basics of sudden adulthood, or a grandparent with some sage wisdom brought on by years of experience, there is always someone with a tip.
Here is some advice from your friends at The Highlander – listen to everyone, but be bold enough to plot your own course. While many people will have opinions about your future life plans, the journey is yours to navigate.
So with that in mind, here are a few tips for new grads that other well-wishers may not think of.
• Buy a loud alarm clock – The days of sleeping a few minutes late and running into school slightly tardy are over. College professors don’t wait for anyone to start their lectures and bosses want employees to be on time. If you need to be up at 7 a.m., set the alarm for 6:45 a.m. and force yourself out of bed.
• Learn to pay bills – No matter what financial situation a family is in, at some point it will be up to you to start taking on your own financial responsibilities. That begins with knowing how to write checks, balance a checkbook, keep track of bank accounts and understand the difference between debit and credit.
• Volunteer for things – Whether it’s taking on a chore that other roommates are trying desperately to avoid, or signing up for a community service project that helps advance the greater good, volunteering shows character, creates an atmosphere of caring and makes you feel good about yourself.
• Be confident, but not arrogant – How you carry yourself and your overall body language will tell people a lot about you without ever opening your mouth. Stand tall, make eye contact, and be polite and you will be amazed at how many positive interactions you will create.
The last piece of advice is simple – enjoy the upcoming summer. Be with your family and friends and create memories that will last a lifetime, because the “real world” is coming up fast.