Nanaimo-Ladysmith can celebrate another graduating class, and not a moment too soon – we need their smarts, their problem-solving skills, their determination. We need the youthful energy they can bring to make our community – and the world, for that matter – a better place.
We in the newspaper business often get opportunities to catch up with young people who are making the news because they’re organizing, creating, or otherwise excelling. Almost always, these are mature, thoughtful, well-meaning, forward-thinking kids. Over and over, we marvel at what Vancouver Island youths can do, and more importantly, what they want to do, what they mean to do, and what they plan to do.
High school graduation is a finite moment in time when teens can celebrate their accomplishments, and we can celebrate alongside them. But it’s also a transitional time. Grade 12s have worked their way up the ranks to become leaders and hopefully role models in their school communities, and they leave high school prepared to take on what’s next.
And yes, they’re ready. High school can be a fraught environment and just about everything that comes along with it is hard, from friendships, conformity and peer pressure to homework, public speaking and final exams. Teens who’ve gotten to grad have made it through the gauntlet, so they can make it through any challenges yet to come.
Age 17 or 18 is awfully young to be making big decisions about the rest of their lives, and it’s OK if grads need some more time, thought and life experience. Whatever they decide, they won’t go too far wrong. As best we can tell, this grad class is going to be filled with thinkers, workers, leaders – people who will find ways to make positive change wherever they end up.
To all grads – congratulations, good luck, and thanks in advance for all the things you do next.
YESTERDAY’S MOST-READ: Man jumps out of the back of his pickup truck as it gets stolen in Nanaimo
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter