I will begin by saying that this is one of those do as I say, not as I DID type of blog posts. I do realise that in in life we all have to learn from our own mistakes (and I made a lot of them). But I hope that by sharing my advice for high school graduates I can help pave the road for at least a few recent grads. It’s truly a wonderful thing when you can be spared by learning from someone else’s mistakes. This post has been sponsored.
My son and two of my nephews have already graduated, but my nieces will be wearing graduation caps in just a few short years. This is advice is for them and all the other high school students and recent grads who think they have it all figured out.
Now is an exciting time for recent high school grads. It’s FREEDOM at last! Or so you think. Now that the newness of being a grad is starting to wear off, it’s time to begin all of those tedious tasks such as college enrollment and class selection.
Like so many, I made a lot of mistakes early on. In the end everything worked out, but there are some things I would have done differently. From the perspective of someone who would do things differently, here is my advice for high school graduates:
Some Advice for High School Graduates
Don’t let that summer job tempt you. So, you have a summer job and that paycheck has you feeling rich. A college degree? Who needs it? You do. It might seem like you have a lot of money right now, and you probably don’t want to go back to the days of relying on mom and dad for an allowance, but in the big scheme of things your summer paycheck is but a mere pittance. Think about how much you’ll have left over after paying for the rent, electric bill, water bill, cell phone bill, groceries, car insurance, etc. It doesn’t go as far as you think. Getting a college education will help put you in a position to earn a much larger paycheck later on.
Don’t put off getting a college education. The longer you wait to go to college, the less likely it is that you ever will. Sure, it’s possible to go to school later on. That’s what I did. But it’s hard to do. Really hard.
If you don’t know what you want to do with the rest of your life, that’s okay. You don’t have to declare a major right away. Take a variety of classes until you find what interests you. The first couple of years, you’re going to need the same general ed classes anyways, regardless of your major.
Get out and see the world. Spend your summer break and holidays exploring different cultures. Check into opportunities to study abroad. It’s going to be a while before it is this easy for you to travel. Probably not until your own future children are grown.
Don’t get in too much debt. If you can help it. Sometimes, taking out student loans just can’t be avoided. I caution you to not borrow more than you absolutely need. Student loans have a way of haunting you for a very long time. Take the time to check into grants and scholarships, and live within your means.
Friendship is important. Some of the friendships your forge in college will last the rest of your life. I encourage you to join clubs on campus and get to know people with similar interests. The first year of college can be quite intimidating, but I encourage you to get out there, be sociable and make some friends.
If you’re looking for a great read, T. A. Barron, the author of the Merlin Saga, Atlantis Trilogy and other books has a new book titled “The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life
.” This book features 8 key principles for leading a meaningful life and is appropriate for all ages – and I think that it’s an ideal gift for graduates this season.
My step son graduated HS 2 weeks ago and is leaving for the army tomorrow. After boot camp, he is off to college and the national guard.
I wish I didn’t stress so much over my summer job! I should have taken the summer off!
Great advice! I don’t know any recent high school grads but this is really great advice and couldn’t agree more!
These are great tips. I can’t believe my kids have already graduated from college!
This is really true, no rush to move out either! It’s best to have yourself set and ready with your education complete.
For the most part, I agree. I would add one thing: Save money by spending that first year at a local community college, especially if you truly have no idea what you want to do. In fact, consider the 2 year programs they offer that will certify you in things like nursing, plumbing, machinist, electrician, etc. These are jobs that will always be needed!
I love the tip about getting out during the summer and exploring the world and cultures. This is great for a high school graduate to do. Gets them to explore there options and learn.
Those are all great tips and advice! I definitely agree with not putting college off. Life really takes off after those college years and it’s extremely hard to go back to school when real life gets in the way.
I would give them this advice but… My teenagers already know everything!
All great advice,I am happy my kids are not at this age yet though :).
Never ever put off college! If you wait too long, chances are you won’t go!
I didn’t have a summer job during high school. Not going to college wasn’t an option for me and I’m so glad I kept in touch with my friends from high school – they’re still my closest friends!
These are all great tips for college students. I wish someone had talked to me this frankly when I was a teen!
These are awesome tips! I wish I was a littler wiser after graduation so many years ago!
It can be pretty confusing deciding what to do at that milestone. I remember having a job I loved but I decided on college.
This is all really good advice. It is hard to get back into college after you quit or if you put it off.
These are all great suggestions especially the part about seeing the world. Life is too short not to travel and the college years always seem like the ideal time.
College is important for sure! I always liked having a summer job in between though.
Those are some really great tips. I have a nephew that just graduated and a niece that will graduate next year. I think I will pass on this info to them:)
Great advice. Life would have been easier if I had graduated earlier in my life than later in my life.
A college education just gives kids a much better idea of who they are and how the world works.
These are really some great tips. I wish someone would’ve told me a few of these and I often give out some of that advice myself.
Looking back, I certainly didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself when I was that age. Heck, I still don’t know!
Friendship is so important, especially for those going away from home for the first time. Having a good support system is key.
I was so stressed going from high school to college. Really great and sound advice!
My Son just finished his first year in College. My Daughter will be starting her first year in September. It is so important to go to College and get a degree so you can get a good job.
Great tips! My daughter graduates in 2 years, and these are the things we keep telling too, too!
I have to agree with checking out a community college before going to a big name university, especially if you are unsure about what you want to do, but also it will save money. There are a lot of great careers out there that do not require a 4 yr university degree so sometimes I think pushing for college us unnecessary considering the student loan debt issues going on in our economy today.
Making money is a way that deters kids from going to college. The real world though, requires a lot more of a paycheck than a summer job could ever give.
Great tips for sure. I personally never let my kids do summer jobs although I do think I should have. All mine will be going straight to college.
I agree with not putting off college! It’s much harder when you’re older and juggling a family.
Great advice! You can’t put college off because it’s hard to find the time to go back. I also told my daughter about internships because they can be very valuable
Great advice – college debt I think is so hard to recover from.
Please don’t fall for the credit card applications that are everywhere in campus. You;ll be in so much debt yu won’t be able to breathe.
Great advice! I wish I had been given a bit more advice and direction after graduating high school, Love this list! I feel for the credit card applications 🙁