Here’s a question for regular readers. Do you remember when you graduated? Did all the things happen as you thought or hoped they would? 

Lately, I’ve reflected on my own aspirations and goals from the time I graduated, and how they may be different from today’s graduate.

It is graduation. What a beautiful, exciting day. One wonders if these young people are putting away their adolescence to become young adults and if they realize what a change this will make in their lives.

Oh, I am not saying they will or need to forego some of the simple pleasures of childhood, or the fun and joy of being with others their own age, but in graduating from high school, they have turned that corner where everyone expects them to become more.

More responsibility falls upon their shoulders. They are expected to do more, perhaps to make more money, to change our troubled world into something more. We expect them to be better, more intelligent, more capable of tasks, more capable of leading the world. The knowledge they possess will be multiplied and filed away for future use.

From this point on, there are decisions they must make, decisions only they can make, decisions that may affect the rest of their lives. Should they continue their education in college? Trade school? Get a job? Join the military? Where will they live? Where will the money come from? They may be unsure of what direction they should take, but the decision is suddenly theirs to make.

In a sense, the real education they will now receive is how to become an adult, to join their parents, grandparents and other citizens in making the world work. It is a whole new ball game. The pitcher, catcher and fielders aren't the same.

They may not know what to expect or what is expected of them, but they are now “in the game.” They'll lose some friends along the way as each go in different directions. Their circle of friends will change as well as their outlook on life. They may even look at things in an entirely different way.

My mother has always said that from the day you start school, you will go to school or work for the rest of your life, and education never ends (nor should it). Time alone will dictate if they need to learn new things or how to do things differently. 

There are those who know what they want to do and step easily on the road leading in that direction. For others there will be choices, detours and questions that will guide their lifestyle.

Each class of graduates is forced to confront issues that probably never crossed their minds before. They are now forced to developing an understanding of how the world turns, not the tightly controlled and protected world of high school. They must continue to learn respect and tolerance of many cultures and lifestyles that may not coincide with their own, and which ones they should tolerate or accept, and which ones require the strength to secure their own rights. 

They must develop a sense of self, who they are today, what they want to be, and what they are willing to do to achieve their goals. Pastor Jim Arends told the class of 1988 that when people said they would pray for them, they had better take those prayers because they were going to need them, a statement that is still true today.

High school graduates are lucky indeed if they are mature enough to know what they want to accomplish and have a plan to do so. They should also recognize that the best-laid plans are subject to change. 

About half of college students end up changing their major areas of study. Several years after graduation, many will not be working in the areas they studied in school. Unlike their parents and grandparents, today’s high school grads will likely change vocations several times in their careers.

This may sound daunting, but it is the new reality. My wish would be for the graduate to learn to take one step at a time, to keep an open mind, to enjoy life and be thankful for whatever life offers. Never give up on real friendships. Be yourself. Do your best. Love your neighbor. Love the world. Listen to sound advice. Don't be too proud to accept help, but also help others if needed. Care for your health. Eat good food. Exercise, and anyone with intelligence knows the effects of drugs, alcohol and smoking. Know there is a Supreme Being who will help you direct your life. 

This advice is not new. It’s been out there for a couple of thousand years and stood the test of time.

Recognize you will be spending more time at your job than with your family. If you have a job that you enjoy, that is a winner. If you have a job you don't like, work at it until you find one you do like. Be true to your friends. Trust your ability. Be proud of your achievements. Live a good life, you only get one, make the most of it. You've worked this hard, so don't waste it on frivolous pastimes. Ask yourself, “Is this the best use of my time?”

Graduates, whatever the future may lead, may you always have the wisdom and strength to follow your dreams, the courage and ambition to meet new challenges, and may you know the happiness and pride that come with success!

Follow your dreams, high school graduate! Never feel that success may be too hard a climb. The very highest peaks are reached one step at a time!

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. If you have news please contact me via e-mail, mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, May 24th: David Christensen, Merlyn Swearingen, Marlyn Swearingen, Nina Widlund, Reta Draayer.

• Friday, May 25th: Dakota Matthew Kath, his 7th: Riley Dean Disher, his 5th; Jack Harpel, Jackie Johnson Miller, Jim Pichner, Cara Christensen, Valerie Peterson, Richard Fetterly, Bill Nechanicky, Rick Miller, Deb Parks, Paul Reese, Troy & Kelly Utpadel, Dave & Barbara Van Gorkom.

• Saturday, May 26th: Jeff Wayne, Roger Wangsness, Natalie Hanson, Jim Cummins, Jennifer Beaber, Jeremy Beaber, Melissa Redmon, Karey (Kalakian) & Chris Shearman.

• Sunday, May 27th: Eileen Bergland, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Shane Callahan, Stacy Wobschall, Rev. Beaber, Theresa Kasper, Rick Loven, Carolee Broitzman George, Tracy Marcus, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Michael Butler, Steve & Karen Quam, Megan & Joel Cooper.

• Monday, May 28th: Sara Beth Carlson, her 2nd; Lily Lee Olson, her 2nd; Madalyn Kehne, Madison Catherine Knudson, Susan Schmidt, Marie Fowler, Rick & Jenny Loberg, Gerritt & Kathy Molenaar.

• Tuesday, May 29th: Brent Peterson, Deb Farr, Odean Otterson, Gene Pederson, Mark Butler, Ross Lein, Colin Quimby, Rod & Sandi Serdahl, John & Susan Oolman, Lily & Jerry Neitzel.

• Wednesday, May 30th: Payton Allen Misgen, Daniel Larson, Molly Hanson, Chuck Crabtree, Shirley Nelson, Julie & Toby Oquist.

May your special day blossom with many reasons to smile!