Off to the future: Wayne County's Class of 2015 has new world to conquer

This message today is for the members of the Class of 2015.

It will not be as eloquent as some of the great speeches delivered by the valedictorians and salutatorians at your high schools.

But there was a theme shared by many of them that we will echo here -- and one we hope you will take with you as you head out into the world.

Life as an adult is not easy.

There won't always be a cheering section -- and the way might be filled with twists and turns, some good and some not so good.

You will face challenges and setbacks, and you will make plenty of mistakes. That just goes with the territory.

But as you make your way to college -- and try to figure out what your future might bring -- keep one very important piece of advice in mind: Only you can steer your ship.

Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do. And don't let anyone distract you from pursuing your dreams.

But be prepared. Life can throw some funny twists your way. And sometimes those detours can bring you to your real calling and happiness on a path you never saw coming. Watch for them.

But even as you navigate these new waters, don't forget where you came from -- and come back sometimes.

There will be plenty of people eager to hear how you are doing -- and perhaps you could inspire a young person to take a chance on a dream.

And last but not least -- a secret: Your parents will seem smarter and smarter as you get older.

Trust us.

Those lessons you learned at their knees are what will guide you for the rest of your life -- remember them.

So, congratulations Class of 2015.

May all your dreams come true.

Published in Editorials on June 13, 2015 11:03 PM