What Now?

It's graduation season! Woo Hoo!

This is the time of year when students all across the world celebrate the wonderful accomplishment of finishing a particular level of education. Some are finishing

Pre-K, others elementary school. However, in this blog, I want to focus on high school graduation.

Many of you know I am a high school teacher, and it is a profession in which I take tremendous pride. I have the opportunity to join with fellow educators as we help shape and prepare young adults for the world that awaits them after graduation. It is a great feeling to see students walk across the stage, especially knowing how much has been poured into them to prepare them for that moment.

Graduation day—and the days which follow—are joyous and momentous. They are days students will remember for the rest of their lives. However, at our recent graduation ceremony, I noticed a look in several students' eyes that concerned me greatly.

It was the look of, "What now?"

I even asked a few students about their post-graduation plans, and several exasperatingly replied, "I don't know."

It wasn't the typical teenage "I don't know" used to end a conversation. Instead, it was one filled with uncertainty and perhaps even fear.

I must be honest and vulnerable and admit, I had to fight back emotions because it took me back to my own graduation day and graduation party, where I too felt that same uncertainty.

The truth is this: this is a rough world, and young people who are not prepared can quickly find themselves frustrated. Frustration can lead to poor decisions. Poor decisions can lead to situationships, debt, poverty, or much worse.

I am an overthinker. I know this. But as I saw that look in some students' eyes, I couldn't help but feel concerned for what the future might hold for them.

At the same time, my spirit was encouraged because I realize that our students—particularly inner-city Black students—are resilient.

If I could send a mass voice message to all graduates would be this:

This message may not be for students who already knows the college they're attending to play football or basketball, or for the student who has a full scholarship and a clearly defined career path.

This message is for the graduate who doesn't have a clue what comes next, and is afraid.

If that is you, let me share a secret:

That is OK.

You do not have to have your entire life figured out at seventeen or eighteen years old.

What you do need is a plan for your next step.

Here are a few practical things you can do:

• Find a job and learn financial responsibility.

• Open an actual Bank Account (not Cash App LOL)

• Write down ten things you are good at and rank them from 1–10.

• Research careers related to those strengths.

• Develop a simple plan to begin pursuing one of those careers.

• Find a mentor or two in those fields who can guide you.

• Consider taking one or two classes at your local community college while you explore your options.

You do not have to move at the same pace as everyone else.

Life is not a race. Well, it is, but it is a marathon and not a sprint. It's not about getting there first. It is about getting there. Some people discover their calling at eighteen. Others discover it at twenty-eight, thirty-eight, or even later.

The important thing is that you keep moving forward. Long story short, it is OK to be afraid of what is to come.

Fear is normal. Uncertainty is normal.

But do not allow fear to paralyze you into inactivity.

Take the next step. Then take another. And another.

One day, you will look back and realize the future you were so worried about was built one day at a time.

Congratulations, class of 2026! Your story is just beginning. Go Be Great!