With the exception of longtime teachers and school administrators, there is no more expert observer to the yearly rite of high school graduation than the seasoned community journalist.
It is not unheard of for a reporter to cover three or more of these ceremonies in the frenzied month of June, when seniors from schools across southern Maine take turns filing through Merrill Auditorium or the Cumberland County Civic Center or local football fields. One can, through the course of even a short career, expect to hear dozens of farewell speeches.
So as an annual tradition, Current Publishing’s editors and reporters reach deep into this well of accumulated knowledge and produce our own commencement address. And here it is, for the class of 2011:
Take off: Go on at least one big adventure before you turn 25. Drive across the country. Backpack in Asia. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail. Do it before sleeping in train stations and living on $5 a day loses its appeal, because it will. The responsibilities of life will wait for your return.
Use your hands: A combination of Google searches and trial-and-error can help you gain skills that will last a lifetime. Plant some vegetables. Build a bookcase. Cook dinner. Take on a project just outside your reach and complete it.
Sell yourself: Regardless of your career choices or life path, you will eventually have to sit across a desk from someone and convince that person to allow you to follow your dream, whatever it may be. Every experience and accomplishment will be up for discussion. Make sure you have enough to make your case.
Take care of yourself: Get to know what goes into your food, and what goes into making it. Eat for a healthier you, and a healthier world.
Take care of your money: There is no greater anchor than debt. Spend within your means, and keep the credit cards in your pocket.
Look on the bright side: Realize most of life’s setbacks are temporary. Lingering on mistakes only breeds failure. Leaders learn, and move on.
But stay cynical: In the information age, it is the individual’s responsibility to wade through all the noise. “Don’t believe everything you hear” has never been more true. Read as many different sources as you can. Surround yourself with people who are smart and thoughtful, and who can challenge your world view. Draw your own conclusions, then constantly test them.
And, lastly,
Shoot straight: When working in a group, be honest and expect the same in return. Be clear of what you want to do and how you want to do it. Give as much time for others to explain their views as you took to explain yours. When you take on a responsibility, follow through. It all seems simple, but it’s remarkable how little it happens.
Ben Bragdon is the managing editor of Current Publishing. He can be reached at bbragdon@keepmecurrent.com or followed on Twitter.
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