Prerequisite to Graduation: No Regrets

           When graduation comes seniors have mastered the game of high school. They have learned how to survive and get acceptable grades. Yet, grades do not always reflect the intellectual performance of a student. Many times they are a record of how well a student can manipulate the system. So, a message must be passed on to the next crowd of students that will leave high school: find what is really valuable to education and take advantage of it while it is still available.         

Mark Twain once said, “I’ve never let school interfere with my education.” Instead of mastering the “game” of school, seniors must allow their mind’s to be challenged, they must find out how to grow and mature socially, and prepare themselves for the future. Many seniors who have failed to follow these guidelines are soon going to find themselves in the real world, stuck with the secure mentality that existed in high school.

            At Davis High School, Kelly Oram, an Art History teacher challenged his students to quit playing the “game.” Out of all the accomplishments he desired for his students, he most longed for them to have a passion for learning. Grades do not matter. If a student discovers why it is important to collect all of the knowledge he can from this world, then good grades will come as an added bonus. This is an illustration of the in depth learning that takes place in colleges and universities. If a senior who is preparing to graduate has learned how to eat and digest knowledge he will be successful in furthering his education; he will know how to make his mark in the world.

            Often, college provides opportunities for redemption for those who wasted away in high school classrooms, but regret does not flee so easily from those who wasted time in the social realm of education. No opportunities will come to take back a hurtful comment tossed in the face of a fellow student, or to include the previously excluded. There are lessons to be learned when reaching out to the socially awkward, or the neglected. Be the friend to those who have none. Where one stood within the social hierarchy is not something worth putting on a resume. Take risks, what feelings of admiration or sympathy left bridled in high school will always linger, so learn to talk to everyone, befriend everyone, and uplift everyone. Build friendships that will last.

            Now, in regards to the future, thousands of dollars of scholarship money are left unused each year. Every student has the opportunities they desire to advance in their education. However, if they are not proactive in achieving the scholarships they don’t deserve them. Go get the scholarships early, take the ACT early and plan for college early. Many students, because of procrastination, find themselves at the bottom of the waiting list for scholarships. Make goals reality. Starting off college with confusion and stress is like waking up on the wrong side of the bed; it seems as though the whole day is full of misfortune. Be proactive in achieving your success.

            Before graduation learn to succeed in something other than the “game.” High school will never be missed, but it can be regretted. There will be greater times ahead, but take advantage of the opportunities that are not offered in any other place except for high school. The real world will kick in and through struggles true happiness will be found. Yet, there is neither the time nor the means to participate in the activities once offered. When raising a family daily sports or music practice, organized debate, and dramatic productions will come second in priority. So, take advantage of those passions before new passions push the old away.

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