If I could stand next to my 18 year old self, I would say…
Forty-seven years. If I could fold time and stand next to my 18-year-old self in that graduation gown, what would I say? I’m sure my younger self, brimming with confidence, wouldn’t listen to a word. But for what it’s worth, here are a few things I’ve learned since leaving Opelika High.
Your Path Isn’t a Straight Line
In high school, we were taught to plan our future like a road trip: pick a destination (a career) and follow the map. The reality is that your life is more like a hike through the woods. You’ll find unexpected trails, hit dead ends, and sometimes have to backtrack. Very few of us from the Class of ’78 ended up where we thought we would. And that’s a good thing. The detours are where the best stories are found. Don’t be afraid to change your major, your job, or even your city. Flexibility is a superpower.
Invest in People
The cliques, the drama, the social ladder—it all vanishes the second you get your diploma. What lasts are the real connections. The friend who made you laugh so hard you cried. The teacher who stayed late to help you. Nurture those relationships. Call them. Show up for their weddings and their parents’ funerals. Life is a team sport, and you need good people in your corner. Forty-seven years later, it’s not the grades I remember; it’s the faces.
Your Body Keeps Score
When you’re 18, you feel invincible. You can survive on pizza and two hours of sleep. A word of advice: start taking care of your body now. The things you do in your 20s and 30s will directly impact your quality of life in your 60s and 70s. Walk more. Eat a vegetable. Learn to manage stress. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
Embrace “Good Enough”
We strived for the OHS motto of “Excellence in all we do,” and that’s a noble goal. But life will also teach you the value of “good enough.” Not every project needs to be a masterpiece. Not every day needs to be wildly productive. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Do your best, but also learn to give yourself grace. In the grand scheme of things, a “B+” life filled with love and laughter is far better than an “A+” life filled with stress and regret.
