GRADUATION WISDOM

Together, those words might seem incongruous. But wisdom is timeless and for all ages. It doesn’t matter when it finds us, just that it does. 

This year marks 40 years since my high school graduation. If you’re thinking that’s a long time, it is. Funnily enough, it doesn’t seem that long. It feels more like yesterday because life tends to fly. We barely notice how fast it moves as we’re living it. Then, one day, you wake up and you’re the same age as old people! 

This year also marks 17 years since I left teaching.

My last class of 8th graders is approaching 30, if they haven’t crossed that milestone already! Yes, I’m feeling every one of my 58 years right now! 

I’m also feeling incredibly grateful. I had many wonderful teachers, professors, and mentors along the way. Growing up in a large extended family, I was surrounded by wisdom. My parents, Nana, aunts, and uncles influenced my life, or tried hard to, as I was growing up. However, like all youngsters, I thought I was invincible in my youth and didn’t always heed their advice. Their words came back around many times. I might’ve saved myself much heartache had I only listened. But that, too, is a rite of passage, I suppose. 

We have to make our own mistakes, feel the sting of disappointment, and stumble before we truly understand. Wisdom, after all, is earned in the storm. 

I began my career as an educator teaching at the high school level. Every year, as graduation rolled around, I celebrated my students. Their successes and accomplishments, as well as their dreams and aspirations. Still in my twenties at the time, I had little true wisdom to impart. Work hard, don’t give up, push yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to; all great words, but meaningless in the long run. I certainly hadn’t appreciated them when they were imparted to me! 

The final years of my career were at the middle school level, and though a bit older, I was battling my own demons. Again, I still had a lot to learn! Still, I mentored, coached, and guided my students to the best of my ability. 

I loved being a teacher and cherish every moment I spent in the classroom.

Though I didn’t understand it at the time, I learned many lessons as a teacher that served me well during the storms I faced in the years that followed. Such is the nature of wisdom. It doesn’t matter when we understand the lessons it tried so valiantly to impart, just that we finally do.

This year, as graduation rolls around, I find myself thinking about the last 40 years. The ebb and flow of life with its joys and sorrows, challenges and celebrations, milestones and farewells. I’ve experienced them all, as we all have, or will, more than once.  

Perhaps most impactful is the fact that I have several great nieces and nephews celebrating their high school graduations this year. Yes, you read that right, GREAT nieces and nephews! As I was celebrating their achievements, I was also considering what words to include with their cards and gifts. You’d think after 40 years, I’d have many! But, in truth, the ones that came were quite simple: Live. Embrace this one life with all that you are.

The following are words of wisdom I’ve heard throughout my life, but which now hold all the weight of experience and understanding. For that’s the benefit of age and the gift. And it’s a gift we’re meant to share. 

Three things stand out when I consider the 40 years that have passed since my high school graduation.

First, all we are is a GIFT from our CREATOR, we’re meant to use to fulfill our divine purpose. Second, FAITH is the CORNERSTONE of our lives — it moves mountains. And finally, CHERISH every breath you’re given, they’re numbered, and once gone, do not come again.

What you do with this one life is up to you. This is true. However, as you’re living, never forget that you were born with a purpose. That purpose comes from God. He’s the one who goes before you. Allow Him to lead and guide you. He’ll never forsake you. Trust in Him in all things, His faithfulness and provision will not fail. He’s beside you through both the trials and triumphs of life. His steadfast love and care for you will never end.

Graduation wisdom from a teacher’s heart.

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LIVE.

Embrace this one life with all that you are. 

Never stop valuing your worth.

Your originality. 

Your spirit. 

Your ability to love. 

To forgive.

To shine.

These are gifts from your CREATOR.

And they’re more precious

than you could ever imagine.

When fear overtakes you, 

allow FAITH to move you.

When you reach the top of the mountain,

lift your arms and celebrate the climb

with your eyes wide open. 

Seek adventure,

but never forget your roots.

Embrace the pain when it comes.

Allow the tears to fall.

But know that

wisdom is earned in the storm,

and a new day comes with every dawn. 

There’s no moment

more precious than this one.

No breath more sacred.

No life worth celebrating more.

Cherish every moment.

Every breath.

All the life.

They are a blessing from above.

Experience them fully,

but know that they are numbered.

They do not come again.

Love unconditionally.

Give abundantly.

Believe unquestionably.

Trust unfailingly.

Allow FAITH to guide you,

gratitude to fill you,

and presence to inspire you, 

so that when your 

last moment finally comes,

you’ll know you truly lived.

JN Fenwick (©2025)

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©2025 JN Fenwick/mothjournal14 | All rights reserved.