We asked SpMoms readers to share advice for new high school graduates.
- “Start following Dave Ramsey’s Financial Freedom immediately upon graduation!” – Cheri H
- “Always read the fine print.” – Ilana G
- “Call your Mom, she misses you.” – Kelly N
- “Explore your dreams and options and NEVER give up!” – Monica S
- “Volunteer, travel, and educate yourself on something you love…for the intrinsic and extrinsic value. It will give you experiences you’ll never forget and 1,000 people are going to apply for the job you want…what else is going to set you a part from the crowd?” – Leah B
- “You have the world at your fingertips – pray for guidance and wisdom, follow your passion. – not just because ‘everyone else in my family is’ and, if you do go to college, go somewhere different each year for spring break! Live your life now and if you don’t have the cash for
It, save before you do it.” – Kendra S. - “Travel as much as possible before it’s time to truly “adult!” Trust in yourself & beliefs rather than succumb to others. Budget, budget, budget so you don’t leave college with already mounds of debt!” – Shauna J
- “The best thing you can do is make good investments with your time: focus on what’s important. Your won’t get this time back. Give your time to God, give your time to your loved ones, focus on school, give your time to the community. Invest your time in building yourself up. Don’t waste time on things that won’t matter.” – Nicole R
- “Go to college, study hard, graduate, get a good job, then LIVE! Travel, enjoy every opportunity you can afford! And because you went to college and got a good job, you’ll be able to afford to enjoy!” – Katrina W
- “Live life to the fullest, explore, and work smarter not harder. Do something you’re passionate about, so you don’t regret sitting in a job you hate when you are 40.” – Christy D
- “Try to further your education. College was the best decision for me. It helped me grow more independent make great friends and felt good to get a degree.” – Tosha M
- “Make the best of it and don’t get wrapped up in all the drama. Stay focused, think positive and you will go far. Set goals and just do the best that you can.” – Jen B
- “My advice would be to surround yourself with people who will build you up and have the same goals! Always strive to be a better person!” – Megan H.
- “Money is your ‘Servant’ and not your ‘Master’….keep that in mind as you go to school and/or work!!” – Christy S
- “Go to college and don’t rack up debt, it will haunt you!” – Christina W
- “Have fun, stay focused! Look into scholarships to help offset the cost of college!” – Jill H
- “Take your time figuring out what you want to do with your life and travel a lot!” – Rhyann M
- “Travel, dream big and you can’t catch your dreams unless you chase after them.” – Brittany K
- “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day of your life!” – Shannon P
- “Follow your dreams..get a college degree .. enjoy your life to the fullest!!!” – Jocelyn B
- “Set goals and NEVER give up. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to!!!” – Jenn M
- “The world is an unfair and cruel place, but with a will to do great things and the hunger for more you will do great things!” – Karah B
- “Study hard and listen to the your elders, they’ve been there.” – Tauney F
- “Set realistic goals for yourself. But always aim higher.” Melissa T
- “You will never know if you don’t take that first step! Spread your wings and fly while you are young.” – Angie B
- “Have fun, study hard, get through it and save your money!” – Chelsea W
- “Learn to budget now. When in college, explore all opportunities they have to offer on campus.” – Michele P
- “Travel as much as you can while you are young and life is less complicated!” – Emily S
- “Enjoy every moment of your life it’s time you’ll never get back.” – Whitney C
- “My advice would be to research and follow Dave Ramsey for financial advice, to not settle, and to reach further than you thought possible!” – Melody M
- “Even if you have this whole journey all mapped out, it probably won’t go according to plan and what fun would that be?” – Amy K
- “Do what feels right to you, not what others expect from you!!!” – Stefanie H
- “Study super hard in school & don’t miss out on opportunities.” – Amber B
- “You make your own destiny!” – Angela M
- “Always stay true to yourself and love those dreams!” – Melissa C
- “My advice would be ENJOY EVERYDAY !!! LIFE IS Precious.” – Margaret F
- “Keep it simple! Don’t sweat the small stuff.” – Amanda D
- “Live life. Do new things, see new places, meet new people.” – Kelc L
- “Don’t rush through to finish, enjoy every minute!” – Stacy E
- “Be open to new experiences but also have goals!” – Kristina W
- “Don’t take a break from college, go straight into it.” – Shannon L
- “Work hard, get dirty, earn your place in society, give back.” – Jodie B
- “Always follow your dreams!” – Natalie B
- “Don’t let college put you in debt!” – Jennifer B
- “Never give up!” – Trista P
- “Live each day to the fullest!” – Michelle C
