Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry for our “If I’d Only Known” grad contest. We loved reading the inspirational advice that is great for everyone to live by, not only grads. We also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the photos of parents from their high school days. A panel of Pear Tree judges chose the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from the top 10 most voted and the results are…
Our first place, grand prize winner is … ‘Be Open’ by Pamela.
The idea of graduating from high school and setting off for college can be filled with conflicting emotions. All at once you’re sad to be leaving friends while excited at the prospect of meeting new ones. Nervous about leaving home and yet thrilled to be striking out without Mom or Dad monitoring your every move. And even though you can never really return to the same role of “dependent child,” you don’t have to have it all figured out just yet. In fact, I would advise you to not even declare a major until you have to.
Move forward with an open mind and a heart filled with exploration. Never again in your life will your slate be as clean as it is today. Take a dance class even if you can’t climb stairs without tripping. Talk to strangers. Ask questions in class. Volunteer for an organization you’ve never heard of. Take up a cause. Keep a journal even if you feel you don’t have time. Consider an overseas study.
More than anything else, have fun! You have the rest of your life to be a serious adult. Discover who you’re meant to be without being untrue to whom you’ve already become. Continue reading







