In just a few short weeks you’re going to graduate from high
school and begin a new chapter. That’s sounds like the beginning of a
graduation greeting card which would normally be followed by some sappy advice
and attached to a copy of Dr. Suess’ “The Places You’ll Go.”
I’m going to save the sappy stuff for your relatives and I
promise not to provide any advice that rhymes. Today I’m simply going to give
you a few tips on how to spend these last few weeks before graduation, and how
to prepare for your next step – whatever that step may be.
Grades.
Every class and every assignment matters until the last day of school. It may seem like the time to skate through the final stages of high school. You’re so close to the end that you may even feel like you’re already there. Now is NOT the time to rest on your laurels. You work until the final day because the final day counts toward your grade and your final grade counts toward your admission to college.
Every class and every assignment matters until the last day of school. It may seem like the time to skate through the final stages of high school. You’re so close to the end that you may even feel like you’re already there. Now is NOT the time to rest on your laurels. You work until the final day because the final day counts toward your grade and your final grade counts toward your admission to college.
That’s right! You have to submit a final transcript before
your admission is confirmed so work hard right up through your last final so
that all your hard work pays off.
Paperwork.
For those heading off to college in the fall, now is the time to finalize all your paperwork. Decision day is May 1 which means you need to let the college of your choice know you are accepting their offer of admission and sign the dotted line on your financial aid. If you need help understanding your award letter or accepting your aid, talk to your financial aid office or make an appointment with the Iowa College Access Network. ICAN offers free award letter review appointments – visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule.
For those heading off to college in the fall, now is the time to finalize all your paperwork. Decision day is May 1 which means you need to let the college of your choice know you are accepting their offer of admission and sign the dotted line on your financial aid. If you need help understanding your award letter or accepting your aid, talk to your financial aid office or make an appointment with the Iowa College Access Network. ICAN offers free award letter review appointments – visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule.
Once your paper work is signed for financial aid, sign up
for an orientation session and get your paperwork for your housing, meal plan,
and anything else you need to setup for next year going.
Fun.
Have some fun. It’s an odd thing to look back on for me. I’ve been out of high school for almost 20 years and outside of social media I don’t see most of the people I spent every day with for my first 18 years. This is your time to hang out with friends and have fun. Enjoy these final weeks of high school. I won’t say they are the best years of your life because you have so many opportunities ahead of you that it would be false to tell you the best is almost over. These last few weeks are important though because this is your foundation. These are your memorable moments and you should let them sink in. Try not to rush through and hurry time. The next step will be here soon enough. Soak in these last few weeks with your friends and just enjoy it.
Have some fun. It’s an odd thing to look back on for me. I’ve been out of high school for almost 20 years and outside of social media I don’t see most of the people I spent every day with for my first 18 years. This is your time to hang out with friends and have fun. Enjoy these final weeks of high school. I won’t say they are the best years of your life because you have so many opportunities ahead of you that it would be false to tell you the best is almost over. These last few weeks are important though because this is your foundation. These are your memorable moments and you should let them sink in. Try not to rush through and hurry time. The next step will be here soon enough. Soak in these last few weeks with your friends and just enjoy it.
Family.
My last note before I send you off is related to having fun and not rushing, but it’s an important thing step to remember. Take some time in these weeks to be with your family too. Especially if you are moving out at the end of the summer and heading off on new adventures. This is very exciting for you, and your parents and other family members are excited for you. But it is also a really hard time for them. They have raised you to this point, and while they watch you grow they have also been dreading the day that you say goodbye. It’s a huge milestone not just for you, but for everyone in your family. Remember to give them a few moments now and then and acknowledge that this is going to be hard for them .
My last note before I send you off is related to having fun and not rushing, but it’s an important thing step to remember. Take some time in these weeks to be with your family too. Especially if you are moving out at the end of the summer and heading off on new adventures. This is very exciting for you, and your parents and other family members are excited for you. But it is also a really hard time for them. They have raised you to this point, and while they watch you grow they have also been dreading the day that you say goodbye. It’s a huge milestone not just for you, but for everyone in your family. Remember to give them a few moments now and then and acknowledge that this is going to be hard for them .
Ok, One Rhyme.
I’ll leave with the wise words of our favorite Dr. Suess
I’ll leave with the wise words of our favorite Dr. Suess
“You have brains in
your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction
you choose”
Brittania - ICAN Hiwatha Center
