If I had it to do over again
No one asked for this advice, but since when have I let that stop me? Consider it my unsolicited graduation gift, wrapped in practicality and tied with a ribbon of earnest good intentions.
First, action is the antidote to anxiety. You’re standing on the edge of your next big adventure, toes peeking over the edge, heart pounding with the unknown. The best way to steady yourself? Move. Do the thing. Overthinking is the enemy of doing. Draft the email. Go to the event. Say yes, and then figure it out. You’ll find that courage often disguises itself as motion. My friend Mandy Barton wrote a whole book on it, Step One, Jump! By the way, buy the book, hold it in your hands, jot notes in it, and read it.
Second, own a suit. Yes, guys, I’m talking to you. A sharp, well-fitting suit in your closet will save you from scrambling when opportunity knocks (and trust me, it always knocks unexpectedly). Ladies, a mid-length dress that’s versatile enough to handle an interview, a wedding, or a fancy dinner will be your sartorial Swiss Army knife. These are not just clothes; they’re your armor for the moments when you need to feel a little extra polished and invincible.
Speaking of being prepared, let’s talk photos. Your senior pictures are more than just a fleeting Instagram post; they’re memories for the ages. Bring 3-4 outfits to your shoot. One should be formal—a suit, a classic dress, something timeless that whispers “I’ve arrived.” The others should reflect your essence: classic, comfortable, undeniably you. A good photographer can work magic, but the real magic is in showing up as your authentic self.
Now, let’s dive into the emotional wisdom of it all. If someone crosses your mind, reach out to them. Send the text, make the call, write the letter. I call it “the nudge,” that quiet, persistent thought that says, “Hey, remember so-and-so?” I’ve never regretted following the nudge. It’s led to laughter, reconnections, and a few unexpected adventures. Life has a way of weaving beautiful threads from the simplest gestures.
Finally, read the Bible, for all the reasons, mostly because you might find yourself lonely, and that time my dear is the best time to learn about yourself and the Lord. It's always going to bless, sometimes going to convict, and that's never comfortable, but don't wait--reading the Bible is the best thing you can do for yourself as a young person!
So there you have it: a suit, a dress, a nudge, the Bible, and the courage to move. None of it is groundbreaking, but all of it is useful. Go forth and conquer, dear graduate. The world awaits your brilliance.
