Graduate — and Keep Dreaming
@bethvogt
My youngest daughter graduates from high school on Friday.
Christa is my caboose kiddo. She was born 12 ½ years after my husband Rob and I were finished having children, when her older siblings were 17, 14 and 12.
Her arrival was one of those unexpected blessings of life that initially make you think, “Wait … what?!” And then you realize the deviation from your oh-so-carefully organized life plan is going to be good for you in ways you never imagined.
When she was born, I knew Christa would grow up fast. I’d seen it happen with her older brother, who was a senior in high school when Christa was born, as well as with her two older sisters.
And I was right. Despite my determination to be more aware of the passage of time, to somehow slow it down if I could, the years slipped by again. Another one of my children grew up far too quickly. There’s no way to slow down time.
I remind myself that, of course, we want our children to grow up. That’s what parenting is all about: helping our children to become less dependent on us as they discover who they are. Their talents. Their abilities. Their strengths. Their dreams.
Which brings me to this week, when my daughter will walk across the stage and receive her high school diploma. Teachers and administrators and classmates will give speeches. I’ve thought about what I’d tell those graduating seniors, given the chance. I’d keep it simple. Something like this:
High school graduation is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations. May I offer three things for you to consider?
- These weren’t the best years of your life. I hope each of you have some great memories from your high school years. But the past four years aren’t the best years of your life. If high school was hard, then consider graduation as a huge reset button. If high school was good, then build on your successes. Most likely, for most of you high school was a mix of good and bad experiences. Decide that what comes next is going to be better – and that your future holds the best to come.
- Graduate – and keep dreaming. Remember when the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was a fun question? When you could dream about being anything – a ballerina, a firefighter, the president of the United States – and people believed you could do it? Don’t think graduating and growing up means you have to limit your dreams.
- You don’t need to have it all figured out yet. That diploma you earned? It doesn’t mean you have to know all the answers to all of life’s questions. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” when someone asks you “What are you doing next?” or “Where are you going to college? or “What are you majoring in?” Sometimes you have a plan. And sometimes … sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is when the plan is interrupted. Trust me, I know.
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Comments 8
I have GOOD memories from high school.
When I was a senior,
the Head felt bleak despair
Consider this, your office
overnight, contained a bear.
‘Twas just a little bruin
but boy, he had some teeth!
And he wasn’t foolin’
when he bit up, from beneath.
I only hoped to make his life
an event to make him think,
tales that he could tell his wife
on the way to the pshrink.
Yes, he thought me deranged,
but, take heart…I haven’t changed.
Author
Andrew! A bear?! Really?
I’m not sure why I’m questioning this escapade … and I’m certain you did give this guy a memory.
Hope you are faring well, my friend.
The parents of one of my friends trained animals for the film industry, and had a small Asian bear. Though good-natured, it was muzzled, and no-one was ever in any danger, neither bear nor Head.
The Head had a picture taken, of the bear behind his desk.
Author
Andrew: Now I love this story even more! 🙂
Love this post, Beth!
I’m a high-school graduate this year myself. My senior year(this past school year) has been one of the most challenging and painful years I’ve been through so far, BUT God has been good and faithful to me through the good days and the bad.
I’ve got nothing to complain about.
The quote in the picture you placed on this post is one of my all-time favorite quotes. I have my dreams: thanks for the encouragement and advice!
Onward for His glory and kingdom!
God bless.
Author
Odelia: Congratulations on your graduation! I’m sorry it was such a challenging, painful year, but I’m thankful God sustained you. And I pray for you to discover the beauty of your dreams and the best years yet to come.
Beautiful post and beautiful daughter w/ stellar accomplishments. I do not personally know parents who have invested so faithfully and lovingly in their children, and you have worlds of ongoing harvest to show for it. Well-done all around!
Author
Thank you for your encouraging words, Dee. I know many parents invest in their children and are excited to see them pursue their dreams. Here’s to celebrating! 🙂