Faithful Friday: A Quick Note to All This Year’s Graduates

By: Debbie Waltz

As the school year wraps up, I know several people graduating and moving on to the next stage in their life; My niece Elizabeth and cousin Joshua are among that group. That being said, I would like to take a moment to applaud you on all of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your future.

Elizabeth, I have enjoyed watching you grow from a shy young girl into a confident young woman. You are always willing to come alongside someone and help them if needed. It’s been amazing to watch you grow in confidence as you continue to try new things and mentor others in swimming. You are always willing to help me out with driving my wheelchair and co-piloting the van on unexpected road trips. For that, I will be eternally grateful. With you around, I feel independent, like an aunt going out with her niece. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you in college.

Joshua, I’m sorry we live so far away. I have enjoyed watching you grow up through Facebook Live and catching up on occasional family reunions. Your passion for marching band is infectious, and I can tell Aunt Jennifer loves it too! I know God is going to do great things in your life.

Words of Wisdom to Pass on.

I want to share with you some life lessons I’ve learned since I graduated from Saline High School in 1999.

1. Cherish the moments you’re given because you can’t get them back. We’ve all heard the saying, “Life is precious.” But it’s so true these days – with Covid and everything else happening, it’s so easy to lose track of what’s important. That being said, take a moment to step back and examine whose influential life has impacted you and tell them. Who knows when you’ll get the chance again? Your college life will start soon, and you’re bound to forget. So just don’t, okay?
2. Take stock of friendships and attempt to stay in touch. Keep track of friends’ phone numbers and stay in contact. We’ve all heard the saying, “They grew apart.”; this rings true for long-term relationships and friendships as well. That said, try to stay in touch with the friendships you value most. Sometimes things may get in the way, but don’t let them. Even the most minor thing, like a text, reminds them you still care and are thinking of them.
3. Remember to balance work and play. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until a few years in that I valued the reality of this advice. During my first year, I focused on maintaining good grades and learning about my limitations. I tried to learn what I could realistically expect of myself with the use of assistive technology. Over time, though, my friends encouraged me to loosen up and join more extracurricular activities. These times allowed me to see what I was truly capable of…besides academics, of course!
4. Stay focused, but give yourself grace when needed. College is going to be hard. Teachers are going to push you in ways you never thought possible. This is only because they want the best for you. That is why it’s so important that you know what you’re truly capable of accomplishing.
5. Trust the Lord. Don’t forget, He is watching over you and is beside you; you are not alone. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”- Proverbs 3:5-6. This includes every aspect of life-, including college.