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And just like that, it is over.
After seven years of taking my two daughters to high school, coordinating after school plans to keep up with their busy schedules, attending as many of their school activities as I could, watching them strive to do their best, and asking them every single night how their day had gone, my days as a parent of a high school student are suddenly over.
Our baby graduated and life for her and our family will forever be different. It is not a shock to anyone who knows me that I am not nearly as ready for this change as she seems to be. My wife and I will be “empty nesters” this fall.
For most people, graduation is one of life’s most memorable milestones and is a great time to reflect on successes that have been achieved or obstacles that have been overcome. Yet, graduation is not an educational finish line. Rather, it is the new starting line for success as an adult.
At the United Way of Wyoming Valley, we believe education is one of the key building blocks of a better life. Education is empowering and a source of hopefulness. We want all kids to wear that cap and gown and realize a fulfilling, self-sustaining and happy life.
Of course, high school graduation doesn’t guarantee success, but the lack of a diploma limits opportunity and makes life more challenging. Dropouts are less likely to find jobs that pay well, more likely to have poor health outcomes, more likely to become incarcerated and have an increased chance that their children won’t graduate either.
Graduation rates do not just impact those high school students. It affects all of us. Graduation rates are a key indicator of the well-being of a community. The higher the graduation rate, the more likely it is that the community will be healthier and stronger. The lower the rate, the more likely issues of crime, safety, social service need, workforce readiness, economic development and other issues will be negatively impacted.
While our overall graduation rate in Luzerne County is above the national average, it can and needs to be higher. We need to do all we can, starting from the birth and early development of a child, to help children enter school ready to learn and move through school and beyond with confidence. There are best practices and resources to help those in need address issues of safety, nutrition, early brain development and parenting skills that can make the journey to graduation day more possible and more successful. Call the United Way of Wyoming Valley or 2-1-1 if you need assistance.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Changing the world is certainly a tall task.
Let’s start with the current generation of children, strengthen their families and improve the odds of success for today’s children. When kids and families do well, over time, communities will do better.
As our family has experienced, school days can seem to be long, but the years go by quickly. Kids are kids only for a while, and, suddenly, just like that, whether we are ready or not, our babies grow up, leave the “nest” and life will forever be different. It is our job as parents and families, and in our best interests as a community, to help them grow up well.
To my baby and all the 2017 graduates – congratulations and Godspeed. Make us, and yourselves, proud.