By Staff
Lisa Tindell
The swish of nylon graduation gowns and the smooth feel of tassels on mortar board caps always brings back memories of my time in high school. However, this year those memories have a little more meaning.
The 2009 graduation ceremonies marked the 30-year anniversary of my walk across the stage to receive a high school diploma.
Back in 1979, I thought I was on top of the world. At my own graduation, I thought I was so special to be the first person to receive my diploma. No, I wasn’t class valedictorian or salutatorian; I was just the person who got drafted to provide invocation for the ceremony. I guess they wanted to get me off the stage as quickly as possible, so I was the first person who got a diploma that night. Pretty good stuff for a “B” student.
I have no recollection of who provided the commencement address for the evening. I’m not certain as I sit writing this who was the valedictorian or salutatorian for my graduation class. But I do remember that feeling of completion, accomplishment and joy that I experienced all of those years ago.
As more than 150 students crossed the stages in Brewton and East Brewton Friday night to receive their diplomas, I hope each one had the same feelings of accomplishment and joy that I felt 30 years ago.
I realize that almost every high school graduate has received advice from friends and family over the past several weeks as their graduation date approached. No doubt, seniors around this area have had more than enough advice heaped upon them.
Even though advice has been plentiful, I hope that you’ll allow me this opportunity to pass along what has become important to me over those years. It may not be exactly new information and it may not change your life, but I hope each graduating senior who happens to read this will know that it is information that is being passed on from experience.
Live every day to the fullest. Simple enough, but so many times I have been guilty of getting necessary tasks done and throwing the rest of the day away. I’ve been guilty of lying around watching television shows or just taking a nap when I should have been busy loving those around me and enjoying some time in a good book or with a good friend.
Love hard and forgive often. Think about the people you love and how much you enjoy being with them. Chances are if you want to be with someone, there are people who would love to be with you. Share yourself with those you love and with those who love you. Even if someone you love disappoints or hurts you, remember to forgive. Being loved is a treasure and a special gift that doesn’t come along every day.
Have no regrets. I’m not saying you won’t do things that you regret. There is a really good chance that in 30 years you will look back and see things you regret doing. But try to consider your actions before taking them. If you keep things in prospective even if it turns out to be a bad decision it might not be something you regret.
My prayer for each graduating senior this year is for safety, peace and prosperity. Those are promises that God has made to each of us through His word and it is my wish for graduates today.
Lisa Tindell is news editor for The Brewton Standard. She can be reached by email at lisa.tindell@brewtonstandard.com.