Tomorrow I graduate from high school

[richmondesi]

Mrs. Chip always laughs at me when I say this, but I really mean it... the only transition that's harder than high school to university is kindergarten to grade 1. Don't party too much, but don't study too much either. Party at least a little, but study at least a little too.

And for goodness sake, whatever you do... don't fall into the trap of thinking you're too busy for a girlfriend. If the two of you can get through university together you'll last long after.

Edit: Know what I got when I graduated high school? A job... Jeez, kids these days.

Good point. It is important to party, in moderation. I ended up marrying my high school sweetheart while in college, and I couldn't imagine having a better "mate". While that's not the right move for everyone, it was great for us. We both handled our business in the classroom and out. It was great. I found the biggest key to performing well in college was to attend EVERY CLASS.

 

[sfbobus]

Congratulations. Enjoy it, you have earned it.
Best wishes for your future endeavors.

 

[richmondesi]

Law school = 4 years undergrad, 3yrs law school.

FWIW, He could get out in 6 if he did the goes the tax law route. His 5th year of school would be combined with law school. Baylor has a great MTax program. I was playing baseball, so I couldn't do it. I really wanted to though.

 

[Kevan]

Here's a little secret no one tells you about college: most of the time, it's NOT a step up in difficulty. It's all about finding your feet and managing the step up in work load.

I graduated college in 2007 and the four years flew by. Even faster than high school. But while YMMV, I quickly realized that 90% of what I was told in high school about what college would be like was...well, dead wrong.

It's all about learning personal responsibilty with your work, learning how to study, and figuring out how to best handle your classes/teachers. If you're a halfway decent student college is a breeze.

By the way, partying in college is overrated. Meeting like-minded people is more important, IMO. And a few good friends can help you through the jams you'll get into. 500 people might "know" you, but it's the people you eat pizza and laugh with the night before a midterm that really matter.

 

[R. E. Dillon]

Tomorrow morning I am graduating high school and, as my father puts it, "starting my journey in the real world". I cannot believe that high school came and went so quickly. It seems that just yesterday I was a freshman.

I plan to go to UNC Charlotte next year and double major in accounting and German. What I am most nervous about is the step up in difficulty. I did well in the honors and AP classes I took in high school, but still...

My mother asked what I want as a gift. She then looked at me viewing an SOTD thread and just slowly walked away She eventually asked me to list a few brands of creams and soaps that interest. I only listed two or three, but she went a little overboard (maybe that's a good thing in this case ) and got me this. I have to wait until tomorrow to use it, though

Here I am with cap and gown (my high school colors were red and white, so the blue is kind of out of place):

Hey, CONGRATULATIONS! on the big day!

 

[Bertilak]

First of all congratulations!

I too had no idea you were that young. And I too have kids (much) older than you. Makes me want to step outside and yell "Hey you kids! Get off my lawn!"

Oh, and college still isn't "the real world", but it is a time and place you should treasure and make the most of.

Perhaps the key to science for you is the math, since you lean towards accounting. Strong math skills will be needed for any college-level science subjects.

 

[mretzloff]

Thank you for the kind words guys. The ceremony was good, maybe a little lengthy.

 

[no_pants_cat]

Congrats!

There's some good advice in this thread! I went to my first year of college during what should have been my senior year @ high school (you can do that in Minnesota and the state pays for it). The biggest change for me was finding out that the professors don't care one bit if you skip class, if you pass, or if you fail. Someone else mentioned this, but "personal responsibility" is a great term for it.

Another thing to remember is that you are paying them for your time at the college. Make the most of it - and if you're not getting your money's worth than re-consider what you're doing.

 

[ambrose]

Congratulations!!!, nice gifts you have there. I bet you have already smelled them all over and over deciding oh what ever will I use tomorrow or perhaps tonight

 

[TimmyBoston]

Congrats!

And next year Make Sure You Go To Class!!!!!

 

[OldSaw]

Congrats!

And next year Make Sure You Go To Class!!!!!

Good point. I am amazed at how many students skip class and wonder why they get poor grades. Especially if you have a professor that gives grading credit for class participation.

 

[richmondesi]

Good point. I am amazed at how many students skip class and wonder why they get poor grades. Especially if you have a professor that gives grading credit for class participation.

I found out very quickly that if you go to class it solves several problems

1. You don't miss as much material and it reduces study time (I found that I rarely needed to study actually)

2. If you need help from the prof., it is very easy to get if you are in class regularly

3. You never get caught off guard by assignments, and you can get clarification that isn't available by going off of the syllabus only.

 

[OldSaw]

I found out very quickly that if you go to class it solves several problems

1. You don't miss as much material and it reduces study time (I found that I rarely needed to study actually)

2. If you need help from the prof., it is very easy to get if you are in class regularly

3. You never get caught off guard by assignments, and you can get clarification that isn't available by going off of the syllabus only.

Point #2 is huge. I have had excellent relationships with all of my professors and so far am getting all A's.

 

[fatpanda]

Awesome to see some one graduating! If you push yourself hard and always improve your study skills you will more than reap the benefits.

Always be introspective and look at yourself from the 3rd person. See how you can change yourself to become better and better. That is what the most valuable thing I learned in my undergraduate tenure! Majoring in accounting, physics, or engineering is all arbitrary at the undergraduate level. What matters is how much you improve!

my 2 cents! Best wishes!

 

[Joshua Da Silva]

I am sure my friends would be suprised that I asked for shaving cream and soaps for my gift.

So would mine, but I'm already planning out what soaps and scuttle I'll put on my Christmas list

You guys aren't that old

It is amazing how old you can feel sometimes at only 21.

Philosophy should be taken whether you have any interest in law school or not IMO.

+1 It can be VERY interesting. I'm a philosophy minor, and I'm taking a summer course on the Philosophy of the Mind right now. Good stuff

College > high school too. You'll like it .

As amazing as High School felt, college will blow you away in one week. Also, you know all the drama and bull:9898: you had to deal with in High School? 99% GONE the second you get into college.

You know what I got for graduating college?
A $13,000 bill.

I wish that was all it cost now

Mrs. Chip always laughs at me when I say this, but I really mean it... the only transition that's harder than high school to university is kindergarten to grade 1. Don't party too much, but don't study too much either. Party at least a little, but study at least a little too.

And for goodness sake, whatever you do... don't fall into the trap of thinking you're too busy for a girlfriend. If the two of you can get through university together you'll last long after.

Edit: Know what I got when I graduated high school? A job... Jeez, kids these days.

+1 to all of that. I met Miss. Erin in my first year of University, I'm entering my third and we're still going strong The people you meet in the next few years will be (mostly) amazing, take advantage of this! You never know what you'll find

Plus, it is really not that hard to balance a girlfriend and school unless she's the kind to party all the time and gets angry because you can't come clubbing because you have to study. But frankly...I wouldn't want to put up with that in the fist place.

The transition to college will be hard but not in the way you think. It is just a different environment, the work is essentially the same. You are now responsible for yourself, it is a lot easier to skip classes or not hand in your assignment, or hand it in late with a penalty. Don't get suckered into this. Also, unlike high school, you have to actually DO your work and your reading.

In highschool. I knew people who got A grades and did almost no work, that wont fly now. UofT put you on probation if your marks are too low at the end of the year, another year of that and you get an 8 month (1 academic year) suspension.

Congrats!! Excellent work, my friend, and a very nice stash you have there. I hope the future unfolds in beautiful ways for you. Just remember, it's hard to keep a steady hand with a nasty hangover, don't use a slant with a feather the day after heavy drinking.

I am so glad I don't get hangovers

Here's a little secret no one tells you about college: most of the time, it's NOT a step up in difficulty. It's all about finding your feet and managing the step up in work load.

I graduated college in 2007 and the four years flew by. Even faster than high school. But while YMMV, I quickly realized that 90% of what I was told in high school about what college would be like was...well, dead wrong.

It's all about learning personal responsibilty with your work, learning how to study, and figuring out how to best handle your classes/teachers. If you're a halfway decent student college is a breeze.

By the way, partying in college is overrated. Meeting like-minded people is more important, IMO. And a few good friends can help you through the jams you'll get into. 500 people might "know" you, but it's the people you eat pizza and laugh with the night before a midterm that really matter.

This is absolutely correct. +1 to ALL of the above.




Bottom line is have fun, work hard, and take advantage of the great resources and opportunities ahead of you. You'll be fine

Oh, and let us know how the ceremony went. Once again, congrats on your accomplishment!

 

[rAZor]

Congratulations! I offer the same piece of unsolicited advice that I have to the over 3,000 high school seniors I have taught over the years: read Joseph Campbell and learn to "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. " In life, as in shaving, doing what you love is the greatest joy! ENJOY!

 

[blackfoot]

Congratulations! I feel like the only one here that didn't go to college, so no advice. I do have to say, I, too, had no idea you were that young. Have fun kid.

On, second thought, I do ave advice. This is includes college and your career. Don't take it too seriously. Do the best bloody job you can. But don't take it home with you (aside from your assignments ) I used to take things too seriously and lost sight of what I enjoyed about my job. There will be changes and these are uncomfortable sometimes. Your career and education are not your "real life". It's your family and personal time that is "the real life". Never let anything get in the way of that.

And here is a nod to a favorite pass time of you and me.

After all, this is still what your mom sees.

 

[pal]

Congratulations!

 

[Joshua Da Silva]

Oh, I've got something else to add I forgot to include. If you college has any sort of big orientation/frosh event then GO. It is the experience of a lifetime and you will LOVE IT. I met SO many amazing people over those few days, and starting classes was so much easier because I wasn't walking into a room with a ton of strangers. There were people I recognized in all my classes and so I was able to start off right away with new friends/studdy buddies. I was even a frosh leader for this past year and it was again, amazing. Do yourself a favour and do it!

 

[Austin]

Congratulations young man!