By this time the annual array of graduation parties and receptions are over, or mostly over. I write this reflection as an open letter to 2022 graduates.
You have been through two years of a totally unexpected life – no one was prepared for it. COVID-19 turned everything upside down. You have been through it, and God willing you survived.
You had the experience of finding yourself in unexpected situations; not a bad prelude to the next challenge in your life. You may be going to another school, or entering the military, you may be taking a “year off” to earn some money for tuition a year from now.
Whatever you do, you have been through a commencement – a ritual of new beginnings. A new opportunity opens to you.
Set your goals, your reach. Be bold and at the same time realistic. Without goals life is aimless. If you don’t know where you’re going any road will get you there.
Once you set a goal, keep your eye on the prize. There will be a multitude of distractions. If you are seduced by these distractions, you wander off course and lose sight of the goal.
The first question is “Where am I going?” Once answered, the second question is “Who am I going to take along with me?”
You cannot recruit your traveling partners until you are fixed on your goal; and your partners need to buy into the goal and truly walk the road with you. The journey is not a solo adventure. You will get tired and perhaps a bit disillusioned, you need partners who encourage you. These partners can be family members, peers, teachers, neighbors, etc. Remember, you invite your partners on the condition they buy into your goal.
You can do it. I know you can. I pray for you.
Father Steve Adrian
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