Beech Tree News Network

My oldest grandson is graduating from Butler County High School this week. In our family, graduation is a time of family celebration. We celebrate the graduate’s accomplishment – reaching a milestone.

Our celebration will begin with the commencement ceremony on Friday evening. Traditionally, commencement speakers give graduates advice about life. Some typical advice given to graduates is listed below (http://www.graduationwisdom.com/quotes/15-rules-for-a-happy-life-and-suc...):
1.    Get better at trusting yourself and learn to be bold.
2.    Do not let others define who you are.
3.    Take initiative and get in the game.
4.    Be as persistent as you can be and do not give up.
5.    You do not need to be perfect.
6.    Use your imagination and your creativity.
7.    If you think you can, you can.
8.    If you cannot embrace change, at least give it a hug once in a while.
9.    Work hard and keep walking the road.
10.    Try selflessness and give back.

Recently, I read a Katie Couric statement: “Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps and uncharted terrain. But, it is on that road where your character is truly tested. And, have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect, nothing is, and no one is — and that’s OK” (http://www.values.com/inspirational-quotes/6763-Be-Fearless-Have-The-Coura-). This, too, might be appropriate advice for graduates.

Graduates face choices that change their lives. They must make decisions regarding continuing education, a job or career, and the military. Each graduate is unique, and their choices following graduation should reflect their individuality. As parents and grandparents, our encouragement can be a wonderful graduation gift.

Certainly, graduation is a time to celebrate. And, as Conan O'Brien advised, “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” I am thankful for my grandson’s accomplishment and hope amazing things happen in the lives of our 2014 graduates.