The Superior Express -

The L-N Class of 2022 is graduating at 4 p.m,,Saturday, in the high school gym. Their class motto is “Just be happy we got this done on time - Class of 2022.” The class flower is a yellow chrysanthemum, and the class colors are light blue and pastel yellow. The Class of 2022 has chosen “This is how we do it,” by Montell Jordan as their class song.

With graduation on our heels, I thought it appropriate to give some advice to those beginning their adult journey. Most people will say things like, “This is the beginning of a new chapter,” and ask, “What are your plans for the rest of your life?” It’s okay not to know!

I’m sure you have heard this, but I must reiterate that life is hard. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Many will tell you about college, making the right choices, and not falling under peer pressure. But chances are you will, and I’m here to tell you that it’s okay. We all make mistakes and learn from them; the biggest mistake is not learning from our past.

Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” When you make a mistake, own it, and don’t repeat it.

Life will be full of ups and downs. A few of you will find your way with ease. You will graduate from college or trade school and work in your chosen field for your entire life, get married, buy a house, have children and retire after living a long, fulfilling life.

Some of you will go straight to work. Some of you will move several times. Some of you will get married and start a family. There is nothing wrong with that, and you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You have the rest of your life to do that. Be flexible and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Change your major if you need to. Quit your job for another. Move to another city. Nobody knows you like you, so do what is best for you! Your family and friends will all have plenty of advice and try to steer you in the right direction. Listen to them, learn from them. They have good intentions and want to help, but this is your life, and you must make these choices for yourself.

Getting married doesn’t always mean happily ever after. Marriage is hard and takes hard work and commitment from both parties. Being “in love,” or that feeling of excitement every time you see them wears off, especially once the stress of bills and babies comes into play. Make sure you continue to work on your relationship, even when you don’t feel like it.

Don’t live beyond your means. If your neighbor’s house is bigger and their truck is newer, more than likely, they are in debt up to their eyeballs. Or maybe not, but that’s not your concern. Save money, even if it’s five dollars a paycheck. Keep a hundred-dollar bill tucked away for an emergency. (Emergencies are not needing a “monster” to get you through finals.)

Life is complex and wonderful and messy. You may not always be able to see that silver lining beyond the clouds, but it will come. Work hard, live an honest life, be proud of what you have, and love with all your heart, and you will have a life worth living. Love your crazy life! X’s & O’s.