Congratulations graduates, your journey is about to begin

To graduate. To advance to the next level. To move on.

Last weekend students from Webutuck and Stissing Mountain high schools did exactly that as they donned the traditional caps and gowns and accepted their diplomas, proof positive that they have indeed graduated from the public school system.

But what’s next?

For many it’s college or the military, for others it’s directly into the workforce or perhaps time to travel. But regardless of what the next step is, there’s one thing that weighs on the minds of all graduates — what are some of the skill sets I need to know in order to become a responsible adult?

There are many things those young minds should consider before taking that leap into adulthood. Here are just a few concepts that will hopefully help graduates along the way.

First: Work hard, put your best effort into any task you undertake. This should hold true regardless of whether you’re flipping burgers at the local diner or  you’re trying a case before the Supreme Court. Always do your best — if you don’t succeed at least you will know it wasn’t for want of trying. That knowledge will give you comfort and pride as you make your way through life.

Second: Be honest, to yourself and to others. Be straightforward as you make your way through the world. It will only serve you well and it will keep you out of many jams in the future. It’s good to be frank when dealing with people, so you can make decisions based on reality and solid information rather than mistruths and deception. It will also allow for clear thinking and better analytical skills.

Third: Be kind to all living creatures. Everyone deserves your kindness, from the intern at your new job to the girl who sits next to you in math class to your gawky kid cousin to your neighbor who is too old to walk to his mailbox to the stray and straggly cat who lives behind the junkyard. Be compassionate. But don’t be naive. If someone is abusive or dangerous, don’t shower him or her with niceties and leave yourself open to prey. So be smart. But barring extreme behavior, please, remember to be kind to those in your life — it will make a difference in how the world goes around and it will come back to you in innumerable ways.

Fourth: Be smart, always. Think before you do. Surely your parents have taught you this one, but it bears repeating. Don’t rush into decisions, actions or reactions. When faced with an issue take a moment to think it through; take two minutes if necessary. It’s OK, and if someone has a problem with you taking your time over a decision, remember that’s their issue, not yours. Rushing into action can be a sure-fire way to get into trouble. So stop, think and then, if need be, think some more.

Fifth: Consider others, the world is larger than just you. There are other people, animals, communities, environments, etc., in the universe and your actions will affect them. It’s called cause and effect. So if you chop down a tree, you will do more than clear a patch of land, you will remove a habitat for animals, destroy the shade that tree provided, stop the production of oxygen from that one tree, change the landscape forever, and the list goes on. Don’t be blind to what’s around you or  you may miss something valuable that’s right in front of your face.

These are just a few tenets that can help you navigate your way through life while growing into a responsible, clear-thinking, productive and humane adult. We hope they help. One last piece of advice: Try to find some joy each day — in the many gifts you’ve been given throughout your life that have allowed you to come this far and will hopefully support you as you continue your journey. We wish you well as you take those next brave steps.