Happy Friday, Wintersville.
As I sat back and watched the classes of 2011 from Edison High School and Indian Creek High School graduate last week, I couldn't help but have thoughts of my high school graduation six years ago. I also had a few thoughts about my college graduation, a little more than two years ago.
With each thought, I pondered this question - where did all the time go?
You don't realize how valuable time is until you see all of these big moments right before you, and your excitement seems to outweigh the fact that many of life's big moments are passing by.
Now that I have been working full time for almost two years, the realization of the value of time has hit me head on. I feel like I was in college yesterday, and even saying that brings pain, because I can remember when those older than me used to mutter those words and I was left thinking, are these people nuts? When you're in the midst of all those papers, exams and stressful class projects, time seems to creep like no other. You are left with an anxious feeling of not being able to wait to be done with the semester, the year or even with your diploma or degree.
However, I have come to realize that once you hit the professional world, time really does fly. And even though to the angst of some older than me who claim I am still a so-called "baby," I have really grasped the fact that time waits for no one. You have to push through and make the best of every day, because before you know it that day is gone, that month is gone, that year is gone, and it seems as though it just started.
I am sure that these graduates are reeling with excitement and happiness that their days in high school are long gone and are anticipating the start of college in the fall. However, I say to you, take an opportunity this summer to enjoy what is left of your so-called childhood and the care-free days of sleeping in and having a blast with your friends and family. Cherish this time because before you know it college will be over, as well as summer breaks, and the real world will be staring at you dead on. Enjoy your time in college, and if I can give you one piece of advice, don't wish it away. Believe me, the papers, the exams and the stress are well worth it in the end.
Good luck Class of 2011 in all of your future endeavors!
(Looman can be contacted at jlooman@heraldstaronline.com.)
