We know how difficult this time is right now, especially if you’re a senior graduating from high school OR college.
You feel left out and left behind, and maybe you feel angry that you’re missing out …
You have every right to feel all of your feelings!
To honor you and your accomplishment, we at Empowered Connections thought we’d put together a group of advice that we wish someone had told us at your age.
We hope these bolster you and remind you that this too will pass, and your next great adventure is waiting! Happy Graduation!
“Live in the moment and don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Just learn from it and keep it pushing!” – Dr. Laryssa Creswell in our Dunkirk office
“Don’t worry about anything you can’t control. Focus on one day at a time. If you make a mistake, learn from it but don’t dwell on it.” – Erika Keller, LGPC, in our Dunkirk office
“My advice to my 18 year old self would be to find what makes you feel happy and don’t let it go… said better by CS Lewis ‘Have fun even if it’s not the same kind of fun everyone else is having'” – Chelsea Tarleton, LMSW, in our Dunkirk office
“My advice to you would be to be brave. Now is the time in your life to truly enjoy your freedom, embrace your creativity and try something new. Don’t be afraid of failure because with failure comes growth and resilience. Life is about the Journey, not the destination. Enjoy the ride.” – Alexes Boutin, LMSW, in our Leonardtown office
“It sounds cliché but it is so true…Be who you want to be and follow your own path. Find worth within yourself without any external validation. Don’t cave to the pressure of societal and family expectations. Know who you are and own it without apology!!” – Liz Holdsworth, LCSW-C, in our Leonardtown office
“Get involved and have fun, studying and schoolwork are important but not as important as professional growth and a support network. Do not room with your friends, meet new people and have new experiences. Never leave your clothes in a washer after the cycle is over. Be there to take them out a minute before the cycle ends. Not doing this is rude and people WILL pull your clothes out and set them somewhere.” – Jess Thompson, LMSW, in our Leonardtown office
“Keep your head held high always. There will be times that challenge you but when you can find the confidence and strength within yourself to persevere, your rewards will mean so much more! Best of luck in the next chapter in your book of life.” – Jennifer Guy, LMSW, in our Leonardtown office
“This is now time for you to be in control! No more teachers, classmates, or IG to tell you who to be. So take this opportunity to say Yes or No to what fits best with who you are. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean the fun stops… or naps. Keep doing both.” – Alex Rigby, LCSW-C in our Leonardtown office
“Nothing in life is final. Friends will come and go; the right friends will stick around. You must kiss a few frogs before you meet the right person for you. If something or someone stops making you feel happy; make a change. Change your mind, make mistakes, take a semester off if you need to, quit that job you hate, travel the world… Do what makes you feel happy. Emphasis on you because you are the only person who can make you happy today and every day.” – Jess Roberson, MSW student, Administrative Goddess
“Keep your eyes on the prize! Expect bumps and detours, but always remember what you’re working towards and keep moving step by step. You’ll be so proud of yourself when you arrive there!” – Deborah Duley, LMSW, Owner of Empowered Connections
