Graduating from high school is an exciting time full of celebrations with friends and family It also marks a major transition point, with new adventures and opportunities ahead As you take your next steps after high school, it’s helpful to keep some words of wisdom in mind. Here are 10 valuable pieces of advice to guide high school graduates on their journey.
1. Be the President of Your Life
As you move forward after high school you become fully responsible for the direction your life takes. While parents and teachers guided you along the way so far now you get to be in the driver’s seat. Think of yourself as the president of your life – you set the agenda, create a vision, and lead yourself each day towards your goals. Approach your life with purpose, initiative, and passion.
2. College Isn’t for Everybody
There’s a common notion that going to college is the only path after high school. But trade schools, certificate programs, entrepreneurship, or employment can also be great options. Think carefully about your interests, talents, and professional goals. Then map out the most fitting route to get there, whether or not it includes college. Don’t just follow the herd because it seems like the thing to do.
3. High School Doesn’t Define You
Your experiences in high school, both good and bad, don’t have to dictate your future. You have so much room now to grow, evolve, and shape your identity beyond who you were in high school. Let go of old labels, limitations, and assumptions about yourself Embrace the chance to reinvent yourself if you choose High school laid a foundation, but it’s up to you what you build now.
4. Call Home Often
As independent as you feel after graduation, your family is still a great source of support and guidance. Make it a priority to call home regularly even when you’re focused on new responsibilities. Share what you’re doing, ask for advice when needed, and find comfort in family. Maintaining this close connection will help you manage challenges in the years ahead.
5. Be Open to God’s Leading
If faith is important to you, be mindful of God’s plan for your life in this season of change after high school. Set aside regular time for prayer and devotion as you navigate major decisions and milestones. Listen for that still, small voice guiding you. Seek out a supportive faith community. Trust in God’s wisdom for your path even when the way forward seems unclear.
6. Spread Kindness
In our complex world, there’s no shortage of incivility and conflict. As you move forward from high school, commit to being part of the solution. Look for everyday ways to spread more kindness – whether it’s a smile for a stranger, volunteering your time, or standing up against cruelty. Kindness makes any community you’re part of a little better.
7. Make Volunteering a Priority
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time after high school. Find causes that inspire you and make a plan to regularly contribute your time and energy. Local animal shelters, mentoring programs, environmental groups, and care facilities for seniors are just a few ideas. You’ll gain valuable experience while making a difference.
8. Get a Job
Searching for and landing your first regular job out of high school teaches useful lessons. It forces you to write a resume, interview successfully, show up on time, manage a schedule, and interact professionally with coworkers and customers. Even working part-time while in college helps prepare you for your career. Don’t be afraid to start small – every job teaches important soft and hard skills.
9. Pursue Your Passions
After high school’s rigid schedule, create time to nurture your passions. Take that improv comedy or photography class. Learn to sail or rock climb. Join a band or community choir. Feed the parts of yourself that spark joy and exhilaration. Following your passions now helps set the compass for a meaningful life.
10. Embrace New Perspectives
High school has likely put you in contact with a relatively small pool of people with similar backgrounds. After graduation, actively seek out new perspectives from people of different ages, cultures, lifestyles, and beliefs. Open your mind, listen deeply, and expand your worldview. Broadening your perspectives will enrich your life journey.
Graduating high school launches you into an exciting new phase of life. By taking time for self-reflection, listening to your inner wisdom, and staying open to guidance from others, you can chart a course towards a future that’s meaningful and fulfilling on your own terms. Keep these pieces of advice close as you take the next steps on your one-of-a-kind path ahead.
There is no easy out.
Seriously. If you find yourself stuck in a difficult situation, usually the only way out of it is through it. Be courageous and honest. Face the hard conversations and take action. I promise it’s worth traveling that tough terrain. You will ultimately triumph with newfound strength and insight for meeting that challenge. You will also develop integrity and this is the ultimate trait you will have earned by confronting the challenge head-on. The consequence of resolving conflicts responsibly is not only growing in maturity but you will also have peace in knowing you did the best you could.
A lot. Failure is a part of life. Period. You may try several new things and fail miserably at them. You may fail with some relationships, some jobs, some dreams. You will probably regret many choices you make, and perhaps some may have lasting consequences. But always remember you can learn from it. Every failure has something useful for you to gain. Give yourself grace, because you are human. Make sure you are able to make amends where needed and move forward with the new knowledge you gained from that experience. Every time we fail, we are given an opportunity to grow and oftentimes, we grow the most through our failures.
Be responsible for your actions.
From this moment on, YOU are accountable for who you are. Not your parents, your teachers, your peers, or anyone you would like to fault for your mistakes. Don’t make excuses. Own your actions because that is part of growing up. Make amends, adjustments, and decisions that allow you to redeem your bad choices, and do it with conviction. If you spend your life blaming others for your mistakes or your failures, you will never respect your own worth as a unique and capable individual. What a waste that would be to live a life constantly making excuses for yourself. Self-respect and confidence are built on taking responsibility for our lives and how we live them.
You may already know this, but I promise you that you will continue to face many things in life that are unfair. This world is a broken place and because we live in it, things go wrong—often. If you can accept this now, you will be better able to handle much of what comes your way. The reality is that you will have to endure difficult situations, some out of your control. Be prepared to accept them as they come and learn to navigate through the tumultuous turns with rational reasoning and inner strength. Find the support you need through people you trust. And take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
The BEST ADVICE for 18 Year Olds (Or High School Graduates)
What is the best advice for college graduates?
The wisdom I’m sharing with you today is great for high school graduates, but it’s also some of the best advice for college graduates. And of course, congratulations on your achievement! You have your whole life ahead of you, and I’m so excited for you to get started! Here’s my best advice for graduates. 1. Start saving for retirement now
What are some tips for high school graduates from a middle-aged mom?
Here is the best advice for high school graduates from a middle-aged mom. + Sleep. As you continue to build your life, there will be so many more reasons you won’t get enough zzzzzs. Fight the urge to stay up late for no good reason and go to bed early. Try to get eight hours of sleep.
What are some life and career tips for high school graduates?
Here’s some general life and career tips every high school graduate needs to hear: 1. Find a mentor Consider finding a mentor who’s willing to guide you and give you advice. This might be a teacher, coach, manager, family member or friend.
How do I relieve my mind after graduating from high school?
To relieve my mind, here’s what I would tell her, or anyone graduating from high school, college, or graduate school: 1. Know yourself Something that’s clearer to me every day is that there’s no magic, one-size-fits-all solution for building a happy, healthy, and productive life.
