High-school graduation is soon approaching! Whether it’s exciting or daunting, it’s a major lifetime milestone for every graduating senior.
Graduation is a time to reflect on all that has been accomplished and to anticipate what’s to come. It can also be a time of immense uncertainty. If you’re a high school graduate, here are three things that you will need to know as you navigate this time in your life:
1. You don’t have to have it all figured out
As you wind down your high school career, you may feel like you’re on the brink of the rest of your life. There’s a lot of pressure to have it all figured out—whether it’s where you’re going to college, what you want to major in, what type of career you want to pursue, and the list goes on.
However, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Even if you’re not sure what the next year of your life is going to look like, it’s okay. While many students will go directly to college, that may not be your path. You might be considering a Gap Year, and that’s great too! So as you finish up your senior year and anticipate the next part of your journey, relax! Take it one decision at a time.
2. Be open to new experiences
The time after high school can be a very memorable time. As you embark on your college experience, be open to new and different experiences. You will have the opportunity to meet all kinds of new people, experience new places, and explore new ideas. Give everything a shot. Now is the time to give things a try.
Take a class to discover whether or not you want to pursue a field of study. Study abroad for a semester or participate in a campus club or organization. The college years are also a great time to dialogue with others, hear about a different points of view, and try understanding life from another vantage point. The experiences you have in college will shape who you become. Make it count by embracing all that there is to experience.
3. Make your faith your own
Whether you grew up in a Christian home or have just recently become a Christian, now is a great time to ask questions and pursue your faith. When you go to college, you won’t have Mom and Dad waking you up on Sunday mornings. Will going to church be important to you? Before you go away to school, think about what you want your faith to look like in college.
Consider exploring on campus ministries or finding a local church to attend. How do you want your faith to impact the decisions you make while in college? Once you get there, the choice will be yours to make. Your college years can be a time of great spiritual growth or not, but it is up to you.
The transition from high school to college can be difficult, but it’s also one of the most exciting times of your life. Enjoy where you’re at today!
