7 Rules for a Graduate: My Farewell to the Class of 2019

It's June. That means it's also graduation season, and I can definitely feel like my energy crashing as I am invited to commencement exercises and graduation parties. Since I work with kids from so many different high schools, for the sake of my sanity, I usually choose one graduation a year and go to that one (in addition to the one that our Catholic school has...'cause hey, I love my 8th graders.)

Around this time of year, these young men and women aspiring to greater things, and independence hear plenty of advice from caring adults who have "been there, done that." So, in my attempt to do for graduates what Jordan Peterson has done for chaos in fewer rules, I present to you 7 Rules for the Class of 2019:

1. Take one class about something that has nothing to do with your major. - Sure, I get it. You want to make the most of your money and time and stick only to the basics so you can get in, get your degree and get out. But listen, there's something to stepping out of your comfort zone and studying something outside of your field. Pre-med? Take a Shakespeare class. Journalism? Take Introduction to Botany. And if your class schedule is tight as you look towards graduation, taking a body pump class at the gym or a cooking class at a local restaurant totally counts. (Make use of your student center...sometimes they have that kind of stuff for free!) You never know, you may discover a hidden talent or interest that can turn into a lifelong hobby.

2. Don't do something just because everyone else is doing it. I get it. If it's popular, you're gonna wanna try it. Under this, I list all the vices people seem to find in college (and sometimes high school): sex, drugs, drinking, politics, letting go of the beliefs that you grew up with just because no one is there to tell you no. But just because everyone else does it, thinks it or believes it doesn't mean that you have to. It's ok to say no to your friends who want to party or your professors who are pushing their beliefs on you, and in all honesty, going against the tide is impressive, and it makes you stand out. Cling to virtue, not what everyone else is going to think of you for doing or not doing something.

3. Learn how to make one dish well. Bring it to potlucks. There will be days when you eat instant ramen noodles and mac and cheese. I know that when the cost of 1 textbook is your entire paycheck at your part time job, fancy food is the last thing on your mind. You're going to be invited to potlucks, and the concept of bringing food to a party can easily send you into a panic, but don't be that guy mooching off of what everyone else brought. Cooking doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Fruit salads are easy. Chips and homemade salsa or queso are cheap. Throw some meatballs and sauce in a crockpot and call it good. One dish. You can manage one dish. (Just don't be that guy who puts frozen burritos between two slices of bread and calls it burrito sandwiches...true story. I witnessed this happening.)

4. If you are on a big campus, pick a day when you walk to all of your classes.

When I was at the University of Georgia, my freshman dorm was at the top of a big hill. Let me tell you, it was a treat when I saw those big campus busses rolling around so that I wouldn't die in that southern humidity walking from North Campus to Brumby Hall. BUT I did make a decision to walk everywhere at least one day a week. I think my body thanks me, and walking around campus helped me to appreciate the beauty of the grounds and the privilege of being in the Classic City.

5. Step back from something that's bigger than you. And don't be afraid to admit it.

Even though I was always at the top of my class in high school, that wasn't always the case in college. For the first time, I was facing students who were clearly smarter than me, more talented than me and in a word, better than me. It was probably one of the biggest challenges to my ego, but I had to admit that some things were too big for me. It wasn't about giving up. It was about me realizing that some things just aren't for me to do and I have to surrender them for my own good and for the sake of others who were just better.

6. Keep a stash of thank you cards nearby.

This is pretty self-explanatory. No matter where you are going, you didn't get there by yourself. Whether it's treating you out to a a meal on a rough week, remembering your birthday with a special gift, or helping you with the big move into your first apartment, there are people who make sacrifices to help you along your way. A handwritten note is always a nice touch that shows gratitude for a person's thoughtfulness.

These thoughtful thank you gifts from 2019 grads made my day! The card was the best!

7. Don't lose your faith.

And last of all, and what I think of as the most important of all: Don't lose your faith. There will be days when you will find yourself short on cash, with a failing test grade, or with a broken heart because that guy who you thought would be your everything leaves you with nothing. There will be days when these unfortunate circumstances leave you feeling empty-handed, like you have been robbed, like life is so unfair. But NO ONE can ever take your faith away from you. If you find yourself feeling as if you are left with nothing, know that you can always find something through prayer, through Scripture, through reaching out to a trusted believer. God does not have to feel far away. If need be, call me and I will do what I can to talk you through it. When you invite him in, He draws near.

Of course, per usual, there is always so much more I'd like to say to these graduates. I'd like to recount all the memories and tell them how wonderful they are. I'd like to tell them not to be afraid of what lies ahead of them and that I believe in them. But I leave it at this: Class of 2019: You have taught me more than you realize. You will be missed and you are so loved by a Father who will never leave you!

Now, when do I get my own podcast?