Words of advice for graduating students

Although the June solstice is still a couple of weeks away, many view the Memorial Day holiday as their official kickoff to summer.

High school and college graduations are in the rear-view mirror. Proms and FFA banquets, field days and class trips are no more than memories and hundreds of photos on someone’s mom’s iPhone.

For several years, I have used this column to offer up some nuggets of advice for those newly minted graduates and others willing to accept it.

As I pen this column, my thoughts are with our young friend, Kenzie, who recently graduated from high school. I look forward to having a front-row seat as she starts the next chapter at a community college before going on to university.

If she asked for advice for herself and her peers, this is what I would tell her:

• Get hands-on experience. Even if there is no paid internship opportunity, ask if you can spend the day job shadowing.

• Stay curious. Keep learning. If you are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, understand that science and technology are rapidly evolving and changing the landscape on the farm and in agribusiness.

• Own your choices, your time and your growth. Own your mistakes. Life is a series of successes and failures. They make you who you are.

• Sharpen your “soft skills.” Communication, leadership, problem-solving and ability to adapt are incredibly important. These people skills enable us to interact effectively with one another and in both professional and personal life.

• Network. Collaborate. Be a team player.

• Be a great listener. Use your words wisely.

• Focus on your own path. Constantly comparing yourself to someone else can slow you down.

• A community is a group of people who share something in common, such as geographic location, shared interests, a field of work or discipline. Find your people and dig in.

• Do not let others’ metrics — title, salary and prestige — define your goals. Use your own yardstick.

• Budget. Save. Avoid debt traps. Understand how credit works. This will give you freedom later.

• Vote. In every election. A county commissioner can have as much impact on your life as the president of the United States.

• Be kind. Forgive.

• Stop and think before you share that photo or hit send or post. A digital footprint can follow you for years. Build one that you will not regret in five or 10 years.

• Coming from a rural community and a small school might make you feel out of place at first. But your background, growing up on a farm and in a rural community is a strength, not a weakness. Your perspective, values and work ethic will help you thrive.

• Do not sacrifice your moral principles for anyone or any reason. As you embark upon this exciting new part of your young life, remember that degrees, titles and achievements, although important, are no match for honesty, perseverance, kindness and humility.

• Do not forget that you are loved.