Graduation: More than piece of paper

The end of this month has marked an important time in so many young peoples’ lives. That’s right, May is graduation season.

Whether it’s of the high school or college variety, graduation can — and should — be a meaningful time. It’s so much more than just collecting a diploma. Take a moment and enjoy the hard work and success accomplished, whether it is for you, a friend or a loved one.

For the outgoing high school seniors, it’s a time to begin processing what college life will be come this fall. For others, they may be ready to embark on a position in the workforce or begin a career in the military. Some, though, will spend the summer months trying to figure out just what is in store for them — and that’s OK, too.

For the college students who had degrees conferred to them, they’re a step farther down life’s path. They may be about to take that first stride toward their intended career and put their zeal, passion and academics to good use. Some may be contemplating an even higher degree.

No matter the case, graduation is more than just walking across a stage and collecting that piece of parchment.

It’s a time to celebrate and bask in those accomplishments. It’s also a point in life to seize opportunities and set lofty goals. Sure, anxiety and stress may be front and center for some right now. But get used to it, life is full of bumps and bruises.

The comedic actor Jim Carrey used a similar anecdote during a commencement speech he gave three years ago. He told the graduates:

“Fear is going to be a player in your life, but you get to decide how much. You can spend your whole life imagining ghosts, worrying about your pathway to the future, but all there will ever be is what’s happening here, and the decisions we make in this moment, which are based in either love or fear. So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it.”

So after you’ve cast aside your cap and gown, think big. Then, achieve those dreams.

Rob Langrell is the publisher of The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact him at: [email protected]