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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

It’s graduation season, and every year at this time, it makes me think back to my own high school experience.

I remember my high school years with fondness, though I know that is not the case with everyone.

Graduating in 2002, I finished high school before this year’s senior class was even born — now I’m really feeling old when I think about it that way.

The times were totally different then. There weren’t cell phones or social media. Life seemed simpler and wasn’t nearly as fast-paced as it is these days.

Regardless of the differences, I think any of us who have reached the milestone of graduation still have many things in common.

We were all excited, and maybe a little nervous, about the future.

I wanted to take a few minutes to share what I’ve learned since my own graduation day 23 years ago. In no particular order:

• No matter how much you plan, your plans for your life today may change. And that’s OK.

Some people choose a career path and stick with it until they retire, but many change their direction a couple, if not several, times. Don’t be afraid to change course, not only with your education and career, but also with other aspects of life.

• Work hard these next few years. What you do from now until you are 25 will set you up for the rest of your life.

Whether you’re jumping into the job market, attending college or something in-between, give it your all to set yourself up for success.

You can do amazing things.

• If you make a mistake or take the wrong path, you can start over.

These next few years will be a time of learning and growing. If you fail at something, try to think about what you can learn from that experience and use that to start over.

• Don’t forget to prioritize your relationships with friends and family.

While life’s circumstances often change, some of the core family and friends that you’ve had to this point in your life can be there to help and encourage you. Remember that relationships need nourishing. Get together with friends and check in with your parents regularly.

You’ll likely meet a lot of new friends and develop new relationships, too. Remember to surround yourself with people who will influence you for good.

• You have a community that is rooting for you.

Whether you are proud to be from Albert Lea, I hope you realize that there are many people who don’t even know you who are cheering you on!

Congratulations, class of 2025!

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.