5 Things I wish Someone Told Me about Graduating High School

It’s been well over a decade since I accepted my diploma under hot stadium lights among a crowd of proud parents and excited friends. And when I look back on that momentous day, I remember the following: 1) how nervous I was that my two worlds (friends and family) would collide and I was anxious about the repercussions 2) the heat from the lights, the summer weather and that ugly gown I swore I’d never wear again 3) worrying about falling flat in front of my face in front of everyone as I walked up toward the podium to receive my diploma.

It was just like my wedding. There was a lot of preparation, but not much discussion about the real life changes that accompanies all rites of passage. In other words, it was all ceremony, but not a lot of substance. If I was able to go back in time and talk to my 17-year-old self, there are a lot of things I wished I could have said. Things like…

Brandi-Ann Uyemura is a freelance writer who specializes in psychology and self-help articles. She has a MA in Counseling Psychology and writes for several publications and websites.

Take time to explore life

I was as studious in college as I was in high school. My biggest regret is that I didn’t take a year to study abroad. Although I had my share of fun after high school, I wished I didn’t take my life so seriously. I wish I didn’t magnify every fight with a friend or worry about the relationships or grades I didn’t have. Life after high school will feel that way. But if you can remember that this time in your life is all about exploring who you are, what you want and what’s most important to you, you may be able to let go of the insignificant worries that will drag you down. And later, you will be able to look to your memories with a sense of fondest and freedom. Those memories are precious. Spend them well so you won’t have any regrets.

Grades are not that important

I graduated with honors with a BA in English and a minor in Ethnic Studies. My major was about as important as my 3.9 GPA. I would later graduate with honors again in graduate school. But there has only been one client who has ever required a high GPA in their job description. Considering how much time I spent in the library, I secretly wished more did.

Having said all that, I wonder how much I would have listened to my own advice. Sometimes it takes living life versus listening to advice for us to really learn. So maybe that’s it. Maybe as you get ready to graduate, you should forgo all advice and stay connected with yourself. You are still young. But you carry the inner wisdom to know what’s right, what’s best for you and what will make you happy. If you can learn that early on, you can get through anything. Congratulations and good luck!