Yearbook mesages for my graduating seniors: Five words to take with you

I guess you could say that I’ve signed more than my fair share of yearbooks.

The first wave of yearbook signings, of course, occured during my own illustrious high school career, which culminated in an excruciatingly long commencement ceremony in Sandy, Oregon on a very hot day in the spring of 1980. I don’t remember everything about those days, but I do remember listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours on repeat via the 8-track tape deck in my dented 65’ Ford Mustang, spending hours in front of the mirror trying to feather my hair Farrah Fawcett-style and occasionally drinking something called Boones Farm Wine, which seemed to have little to do with either farms or wine. Because we took precious few pictures in those days, our school yearbooks were—and continue to be—one of the only records of our time in high school. Good thing we kept them too, because, as evidenced by the signatures in my own yearbook, we had a real knack for words. As I look back at my senior yearbook, I feel happy to note that apparently I was cool and sweet as a number of close friends encouraged me to stay cool and stay sweet. Even better, I must have given the impression that I had reached the zenith of my personal growth and development as three of my classmates suggested that I never change and at least one admirer opined that I was 2-cute to be 4-gotten. I really wish I remember who that was.

My second wave of yearbook signings has lasted a bit longer—over three decades in fact. During the time I have worked as a high school English teacher, I would guess that I have signed well over 1000 yearbooks. And, I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot of pressure, especially for an English teacher. Often my mind goes blank as I sit in at my desk, while a student stands nearby, looking expectantly at me, while other students mull around the room, yearbooks and pens in hand, patiently awaiting their turn. My desire is always to say something personal and memorable, but I’m afraid the conditions rarely lend themselves to this outcome and more often than not, I feel like my efforts fall short.

This year I vowed to do something a little different.

What if I came up with one 5-word piece of advice and had it imprinted on a stamp? I could then stamp each yearbook and sign my name underneath it. It would be brief and wise and kind of cute, but most of all, it would be easy and original. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. And then, as I was ruminating about what those 5 words would be, I had the idea to ask some friends and colleagues what they would say to high school graduates in only five words. This little exercise, which I started a few days ago has been surprisingly interesting and fun. Almost every person I reached out to was quick to respond and if I ran into them later, we had a nice exchange, which gave the whole enterprise a sweet and unexpected layer. It also gave me a whole lot of wisdom in very few words—so much so, that I decided to share those words here.

Keep becoming who you are.

Build a life worth living.

Be your own best friend.

Do what makes you happy.

Welcome to the real world.

Stay kind, be curious, laugh.

Walk into your own power.

Don’t believe everything you think.

There is not one path.

Relax—everything will work out.

Never give up on yourself.

Success appears in many ways.

Tomorrow the sun will rise.

The world is your oyster.

Keep your sense of curiosity.

Nothing matters—so choose Good.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Make it important to you.

Stay consistent, kind and true.

You will always be okay.

Surround yourself with good people.

Always be kind to yourself.

One day at a time.

Follow your dreams with passion.

Be you: find your people.

Your health is your wealth.

You can change your mind.

Work hard and be kind.

Surround yourself with positive people.

Keep calm and carry on.

You will figure it out.

Let go of all fear.

Please don’t be an asshole.