Graduation was long ago for myself, but this year’s grad class said something that really resonated with me.
As these young students are closing a chapter in their lives, it’s just that. One chapter. Now, they are all onto the next, whether it be post secondary school, joining the working world full time, or travelling. Each member of this year’s graduating class had so many aspirations.
But, the valedictorian of this year’s class attributed graduation to karate. In karate, you receive your black belt, and the sensei welcomes them to karate. All of the work they had done up to that point was to prepare them.
I’ll be honest, graduation snuck up on me. I wasn’t doing well in school, and it wasn’t certain I would walk across the stage that year with my peers. But, I worked hard, and got it done.
I already knew I wanted to be a writer, and it just seemed natural to go into journalism. All of my life I had been writing and learning and mastering those skills. In post secondary school, I refined those skills. After joining the newspaper industry, I learned the ins and outs of the business.
That work is never over. We are always learning, exploring, and building ourselves.
Even if you think you know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life, those goals might evolve into other careers and aspirations. As industries change, we change with them.
I thought I would be writing a beat for a daily newspaper, probably living a busy life in a city somewhere, making waves with my written word.
But I found solace in a small town. And, with the changes in the industry, I am doing more than writing news. Now, I am a skilled social media guru, a photographer, a compassionate story teller.
Change is good. It is refreshing, and helps us experience more.
As the graduates of 2019 go out into the world, remember that it is OK to change your desires, and work toward different goals. Even at 30 years old, I still consider more post secondary education to dive into other areas of my industry.
Move forward with positivity, and be the best person you can be. I wish all the best to the Golden Secondary School graduates of this year.
