One Pimple is One Too Many - Graduation 2010

Hey Everyone!

Today was a beautiful day in my part of the world! How was yours?

These past few weeks have been full of graduation planning, prom committees and more and now -- it's all over! Class of 2010 -- you are graduated! Congratulations :D

You have something that no one can ever take away from you -- a diploma! You've worked hard, studied hard and you made it.

Now on to the easy stuff right?

Not so fast!

First off, be sure to write thank you notes to everyone who gave you a gift//came to support you on graduation day. Not only does it help you in your penmanship ((which is a dying art)) but it puts you in the habit of thanking people for their time. Remember, no one is obligated to celebrate you!

Second, don't forget the adults in your life! Whether it be your mom, dad, step-parents, aunt, uncles, grandparents or legal guardians: be sure to thank them for all the help they've given to you through the years. ((And to those who have a less than happy home life, thank them still. You'd be surprised at how people respond to an undeserved kind word.))

Now that you're graduated, you have a world of opportunity open to you. For many, you have only a few short months before you head off to college. ((I'll be talking more about that in the months to come))

For others, you're going to straight into the workforce. Be sure to write your resume with confidence and truth. Honesty is the best policy and many employers would rather you tell the truth about your abilities than lie just to get a job. Remember, how you start something is how you have to finish it.

And maybe you're one of the few who are taking a gap year! The rest of us look at you in awe! Take this gap year ((whether it be to work on a hobby, take an internship or volunteer overseas)) and live. Learn as much as you can. Evaluate your decisions based on the long term -- not just on the here and now. Whatever you decide -- especially now -- will affect you in the future. I know it sounds really heavy, but you're an adult now!

That last bit of advice goes to everyone.

I know it's not easy, learning how to be an adult and yet still being a technical 'teenager'...
It's a growing process -- I am learning and growing right along with you all.

Just remember that you have more people than you think who are for you.
And that with determination, faith and a good heart -- you'll go far.

Have a great week everyone!

Ariel <3