High school may be over
for you all, and I’m sure you've been reflecting on what you've learned and
experienced over these last four years, but please keep the following tips and
lessons in mind as the next chapter begins:
Remember that even when
we’re not at our personal best we can still do and be the best we can for the
folks around us. You don’t have to be perfect to have a positive impact on
someone.
Remember that when the
going gets tough the tough just keep showing up - the going always gets easier.
Remember that everything - good or bad - is temporary; don’t get too cocky on
the highs and don’t give up on yourself on the lows.
Remember that your
stress isn't meant to be taken out on other people. Too often we lash out at
the wrong person or misplace where we put our foot down. Don’t feel sorry for
yourself, don’t transfer negativity onto other people, and don’t make
everything about you.
Remember that you’ll
never regret something you didn't say or didn't post, and be careful not to say
or do anything you can’t take back. Think about what you want to say before you
say it. The first word or the last means nothing if it’s not thought through.
Remember to celebrate
what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t. It’s easy to fall into a
pattern of jealousy or envy, but it’s a waste of time, energy, and emotion. Be
thankful for what you have, prioritize and preserve what matters most to you,
and never define yourself by what’s lacking.
Remember to be
thoughtful. Life moves fast; it’s easy to get consumed with our own issues,
deadlines, and aspirations and make everything in our lives part of one big “to
do” list. Make time to do nice things for the people around you. make time to
proofread something before turning it in. make time to make sure that “good
enough” can’t be just a little bit better than it already is.
Remember to treat people
how they want to be treated; don’t be too proud to say I’m sorry.
Remember to forgive;
grudges are exhausting.
Remember to keep
smiling; life's too short to spend it with a frown.
And we will forever
remember our classmate, Jake Westbury; he will always be a part of this class
of 2015. Jake taught us to remember that we’re a lot stronger together than we
are alone. Many of us experienced the loss of a friend for the first time this
year. but the sense of togetherness, community, and solidarity following such a
loss reminded me of something that I forget from time to time - the people
around us that we care about, that we love, and that are important to us need
to know that we love them, that we care about them, and that they are important
to us. I learned from this class, and I learned from Jake, that it’s never a
bad time to tell someone that they mean a lot to you.
It’s been a pleasure to
work and learn with the BVT class of 2015; thank you all for the experiences;
good luck to everyone! Go Beavs!
