Counting Down Summer: A Letter to New High School Grads

 

Counting Down Summer: A Letter to New High School Grads

Hey there, beautiful graduates! 🌸

Summer is in full swing—barbecues, sun-kissed afternoons, road trips with friends. For many of you, this is the first summer that feels truly yours. No bell schedules, no homework deadlines, no homeroom roll calls. Just the sweet taste of freedom after years of early mornings and final exams.

But isn’t it funny how right after July 4th, there’s this subtle shift in the air? You walk into a store for something small, and suddenly you’re surrounded by stacks of notebooks, bright bins of pencils, and those irresistible planners (you know, the ones that make you feel like you have your whole life together just by opening them). It almost whispers: “Ready or not, a new chapter is coming.”

I remember that feeling myself—thinking summer would stretch on forever. Long days spent laughing with friends, dreaming big, feeling unstoppable. Then, just like that, it was time to start buying dorm bedding or work uniforms. Time to map out new routines, explore new campuses or workplaces, and think about who we were becoming.

So now I want to turn to you, dear graduates, and ask:

✨ What’s next for you?
Are you planning to head off to college, chase that degree, and soak in every campus experience? Or maybe you’re ready to jump straight into the workforce, build your skills, start earning, and carve out your own lane in this world?

Whatever your path, know this: there is no single right way to step into your future. Each journey is uniquely yours. Whether you’re moving into a dorm, signing up for trade school, starting a small business, or clocking in for your first real job—every choice is a step toward building your own story and, ultimately, your own legacy.

As you enjoy these final weeks of summer, take a moment to savor it. Let the laughter with friends linger a little longer. Watch a sunset without checking the time. Dream about where you want to be this time next year—and then get excited, because you have the power to make it happen.

Congratulations again, Class of 2025. We see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to watch you soar. 💖