For better or for worse…

I’m sorry. We didn’t get them married off. We just graduated them.

Though we cried through the ceremonies and afterwards, on the whole we are proud of the students who stuck it out and got to cross the stage to receive their diplomas.

Next year we get to do it all over again. But for now the Class of 2003, no matter what school name precedes that, reigns supreme. Or so they think.

Those who will go to college will be busy this summer trying to get everything they think they will need for their new respective homes for the next two to four to six to eight years. It depends on how many degrees they plan to walk away with.

Others plan to go straight to the dog eat dog world of work.

Whatever your future plans, please make plans and set goals. Those goals and plans may shift as you continue to grow, but they do not have to change.

For those who are entering college for the first time, even if you had to sit out last year due to financial or other reasons, make college life what you want it to be. Get involved in some organizations and make a difference wherever you are.

There is nothing like college life. It will be harder than high school. It is supposed to be, but it does not have to conquer you. You should conquer it.

Keep dreaming. It’s okay if you change your major four or five times, as long as you learn in the process. Some people make a career out of college. It is a fun career to have.

I met a lady at the North Panola graduation who had her undergraduate degree, sat out of school awhile and is now returning for her masters in business and photography.

If you have had to sit out a few years, as long as you are breathing, you can go back and re-experience that college life again.

I promise you. You will learn to appreciate your parents/guardians like you never have before.
Even though there are a lot of people close to your age in college, there is still no place like home.

We will bring you complete coverage of the three graduations in a special section in Friday’s edition of The Panolian.