The Chronicle has some parting advice for our high school graduates. Actually, it’s a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” that we hope the grads will keep in mind as they grow up.
The don’ts
Whatever you do, please don’t star in “The Bachelor” or “Bachelorette.” Promise us! This is not the place to find love. Fame, yes, but not true love. You’d have a better chance of finding it at a municipal landfill site.
Don’t step on anyone on your way to success. It’s not cool and it’s not how you want to be remembered.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You should be proud there is only one you.
Don’t be afraid to apologize. It doesn’t weaken you; it builds character.
Don’t surf on the top of moving cars. Enough said, but if you really need a reason, you don’t want people attending your funeral and thinking, “What was he (or she) thinking.”
Don’t discriminate against others. It doesn’t help anyone and adds a little more darkness (and division) in the world.
Don’t pretend to care. People will soon see through that façade.
Don’t spend your whole life regretting. Because you’ll miss all of the exciting opportunities.
Don’t get even. It takes too much negative effort, and it’s a nasty way to live.
Don’t make us proud doing something you don’t want to do. It’s your life, and you only get one crack at it. So find something that makes you happy.
The do’s
Do make time for your kids. Parents get so busy they have a habit of saying, “Not now.” Before you know it, the years have gone by and your kids aren’t home anymore asking you to play Monopoly.
Do the dishes. Or make a trade off by doing the ironing. On second thought, do the dishes. Ironing sucks! (Did you know that clothes iron themselves after you wear them for a week?)
Do something good for others. It makes you feel terrific about yourself and makes the world a better place.
Do the happy dance in front of the mirror to see how ridiculous you look. It’s the only time you get to act like a kid again without being embarrassed.
Do whatever makes you happy, as long as it’s not hurting others. If you like beautifying the town by picking up other people’s garbage, do it with gusto. You are an important cog in the wheel.
Do your homework (yes, there is still homework after high school). Buying a car or a house takes research, and hopefully that algebra you learned comes in handy. But we doubt it.
Do make a difference.
And most importantly . . . do something.
