Editorial: Grads: Of all things to remember ...
Op-Ed · May 21, 2015
For our 2015 graduates, we would strongly encourage you: With great humility and gratitude, do not forget who helped you get where you are today.
Mom, Dad, siblings, teachers, coaches, friends, booster clubs, extended family — whomever they may be. You get the credit for listening, for learning, for doing, for achieving — you also get the consequences of your mistakes — but remember those who encouraged, taught, spoke truth, gave time, gave rides, fed, doctored, sacrificed, forgave, admonished, reminded, corrected and otherwise tried to make sure you became a productive human being.
You’re young. You’re not yet married with children. Go off to college, join the military, enter the workforce or whatever. But this is the time when you have little money and lots of time, and your parents will tell you money is a lot easier to get than time. So travel, see the sites, try new things, go on an adventure, meet new people and more.
Grow up your thinking. Don’t think 140 characters is enough information for any decision, even if it is just a comment. Understand your liberties and rights. Separate opinion and fact. Learn to trust. Understand the value of every human being. Keep secrets from the government and social media. Know that opinions and standards are not created equal, so choose the ones that stand the test of time. See the difference between what you can do, and what you should do.
Understand the undeniable needs — food, shelter, clothing — and wants, even if those wants are very, very desirable. Find a job you love and work hard for the hours you are paid. Avoid becoming a drag on society in any way. Fight vigorously for time with family. Learn the difference between selfishness and necessary liesure. Live beneath your means.
Exercise. Read. Mourn when you should, but learn to move on. Remember, but don’t dwell. Gather knowledge, but don’t overthink. Adapt to truth and facts, don’t settle for comfortable lies. Accept the fact that evil exists, and there is no way to prevent every bad thing.
Know the difference between being happy or angry, which are temporary, and joy and bitterness, which are long-lasting. Learn that you can be content with what you have, but still strive to improve.
Yet no matter how busy you get, never, never forget your youth and all the people who, directly or indirectly, guided you along a path toward patience, self-control, kindness, peace, hard work, humility and a healthy love for your fellow human beings.
West Branch native Herbert Hoover put his presidential library in his birth town because of his gratitude for his childhood experience. Last week’s paper includes a story on former high school football standout Jack Rummells who, even though he recently signed with a professional football team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, still took our phone call.
Don’t ever forget your home.
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