I recently attended the graduation ceremonies at the local high school. It got me thinking about all the advice and speeches given to the graduates to motivate them and what I would like to say to the students if I were asked.
That's when I realized that life is not all that different from school. The students would most benefit by knowing that they can already navigate the real world.
Here's a few examples of some parallels.
1. The hall monitor who gave you an ODR (Office Discipline Referral) or ticket, is now the local police department. Just like hall monitors give you tickets for being late for class or running down the hallways, so do police officers. Certain behaviours are monitored in school and in real life. It makes life easier and safer for the rest of the world. They really do have your best interests at heart, even though you may get sick of hearing them say “put your seatbelt on” if you are only a block away from home.
2. The principal of the school is now your husband, wife or significant other. The last words you want to hear out of their mouths is “We need to talk!” The equivalent of getting called to the principal’s office nowadays is the same as getting a text from your wife saying “Get home!” You need to respond. They know you heard them.
3. The history professor is now your Grandma or Grandpa. I know history class can seem boring, down right irrelevant, at times. All this talk about the way things use to be can seem less entertaining than a Hollywood blockbuster, but believe me when I tell you that history is indeed relevant. It is the reason we got ourselves to where we are today. Hindsight is 20/20.
4. Students in your science class, whether it be biology or computer, are your Global Warming Research Scientists or Apple Care employers of the future. You don't need to understand what, or even why, they find science particularly interesting, or even understand it yourself. You just need to know it important that someone does the job they do. Students with a love for science are making our lives easier one app at a time.
5. Gym Class and the Jock. As a Canadian, I can't quite understand why we give the typical "Jock" such a hard time. I know you may not get to be the one to play on Team Canada, but who doesn't enjoy watching Team Canada win another gold medal while enjoying their favourite beverage? What else would you do on our cold winter days?
6. The Home Economics room was something that never particularly interested me. (Sorry for the trouble, Mrs. Riffel.) The thing is, as you get older and move out, you will appreciate a home-cooked meal more than ever. Once you are living away, surviving on Ichiban noodles and macaroni, you will wish you had paid more attention in your Home Economics class.
7. The janitor and your parents could be best friends. All of them are sick of you wearing your muddy shoes in their porch. The only thing is, once you live in the real world there is no one but yourself to clean up your mess. When you hit 18, all bets are off. Both the janitor and your parents no longer have legal responsibility to clean up after you.
8. The classic field trip is now the real world’s version of an unpaid vacation. As a student, schools generally footed the bill for world experiences that they felt every student should have the opportunity to experience. As a child, I went to places like the Science Centre, watersides or camping trips. Enter the real world after you graduate and everything changes. I still believe travel is one of the best forms of education, but the local Student Council will not be footing the bill for a trip to Europe, Cuba, let alone Vegas. You will have to both plan and earn your way to these places. (P.S. Vegas is something everyone should experience.)
9. The ‘Outcast’ student. We have either known one or been one. Do not worry if you do not fit in. The world already has what is has and is not perfect. It needs you to bring your perspective and talents. Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out?
10. Your favourite class will always be recess. Whether you spend a day at the beach or hang out with your friends, make time for fun. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
Congratulations and best of luck to all the students graduating. Go out and make your mark on the world!
