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College commencements are under way in our area, with Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling University holding their respective services last weekend. West Virginia Northern Community College, Franciscan University of Steubenville and West Virginia University are this weekend.
That means, our graduating high school seniors will be walking across the stage and receiving their diplomas in the coming weeks.
This is a turning point in their lives. It's the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
I'm not very good at giving advice, and, quite frankly, it's doubtful there are many of them who are ever going to read this piece. The news consumption habits have changed over the generations, after all, and the number of high school and college students who pick up a newspaper is dwindling.
Despite that, I'm going to give it a shot.
First, while your high school or college career are coming to an end, that doesn't mean your time of learning is over. We all have a chance to continue our education every day, even if it is not in a formal classroom setting. Pick up a book (or digital tablet) as often as you can. Read about the experiences of others. Watch a Youtube video. Listen to someone with knowledge you don't currently possess. Learn from all of it.
Not everything you learned in school will be applicable to your future life, but it may be helpful to someone else, and you may have a wisdom they do not. Be willing to share of your own experiences and skills and be receptive when others offer to do the same for you.
There are a number of paths available for your future.
For high school students, you may plan to continue your education through a two- or -four-year college program. You may decide to go into a trade school, earning a certification which will put you into a job within a few months or a year. Others may step up to serve their nation by enlisting into the military. You may even find a job you enjoy without having to take another step. All of these are possible, and none should be looked down on.
College students, you just spent four (or more) years earning your degree. You may find you don't fit into the realm of your focus of study once you land that first job. It's possible you won't even get a job related to your major. I know it's going to be disappointing, but sometimes things weren't meant to be. I've known people who have dedicated themselves to a particular path of work and been able to thrive in their chosen career, and I've known people who had to bounce around a few times before they found where they were meant to be. You will know when it's right for you.
Stay connected to home. I know the long-standing trend these days is to look outward as we move forward, but that doesn't mean leaving it all behind. Hopefully, you have a strong, supportive family that will be there for you. Hopefully, you have built incredible friendships. If you do decide to step out of the Ohio Valley (or wherever home may be) keep hold of those connections. They will be valuable as you move through life. That goes for new relationships you build in your next phase of life, too. Anyone who brings something positive to your life should be cherished.
Finally, whatever career path you may follow, remember your job is there to support your life, not to be your life. It is important to make time for yourself and for others, and not to allow your work to swallow everything up.
Wishing you all the best of luck as you begin this next phase of your lives.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)