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By LuAnn Schindler
Publisher 

-Isms: Views on life in rural America

 


To the Class of 2022:

Wear sunscreen.

Wait. That’s a line from some 90s commencement address-turned- song. It’s good advice, though, so tuck it in your memory bank for later use.

Years ago, when I was preparing to talk a walk across the stage and shake the principal’s hand as he extended a signed diploma, my guidance counselor told the group of seniors, “School is your first job. How did it prepare you for the world?”

Excellent question.

With that in mind, consider this your exit interview, as you embark on a new job, whether it includes college or the world of work.

Let’s start with the easy question: What did you like best and least about your job/school? You started with general studies and discovered your niche. More than likely, you spent a lot of time digging into those subjects, sparking your curiosity. How will you use that knowledge in your upcoming ventures? Or, are you still unsure of what the future holds? It’s okay to acknowledge uncertainties but at some point - possibly sooner than later - decisions will be necessary. Decision-making is part of life, so get used to it.

What did you like least about your job? The early morning hours? Pressure to meet deadlines? Dare I say, some of the individuals you were required to work with? Those responsibilities and experiences taught you lifelong skills.

Hopefully, you tackled time management and commitments with gusto. Research from CareerBuilder.com shows that 41% of employers have fired a team member for being late. Being punctual - whether walking through the front door or responding to communication, isn’t only a basic job requirement, it sets the tone with an employer, showing loyalty and professionalism.

Hopefully, you fine-tuned skills which will help you work with others. It’s essential for teamwork. According to Indeed.com, the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently is one of the top skills employers look for when hiring. Will you be able to work well with others?

Next question: Do you feel your manager - the school - gave you what you needed to succeed? You received training. When you needed extra help, teachers provided one-on-one meetings, offering different methods of learning to best suit your needs. Quarterly progress reports are like performance reviews, giving feedback on areas needing improvement. Is something you wanted to gain from the school experience missing? Don’t be afraid to share those ideas with your managers.

Finally, I’ll ask, “Is there anything you would change about your experience?” Perhaps you wish you would have pushed past your comfort zone and taken a few different classes. Maybe you realize there’s a reason why your parents or grandparents or siblings suggested you try choir or SkillsUSA or play production or cross country, instead of being a wallflower. Hopefully, you understand now, why teachers encouraged you to be the best version of you.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll realize kindness is one of the best gifts you give to others. Maybe, just maybe, you will realize the value of being kind whenever possible. To quote Maya Angelou, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

As you reflect on your educational journey, I hope you realize the secret to your success lies within you and the communities who encouraged you in the past will continue to cheer for you in the future. I hope you understand the past 13 years paved the foundation for where you are headed and, if you need to take a detour, it’s allowed.

Most of all, I hope you all know success isn’t measured by the number of As on a report card. A single measure of success does not exist; the goal will always change. How you get there is up to you.

Congratulations, graduates.

 

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