An Open Letter to High School Seniors

My youngest child is a high school senior this year. As I think about the amazing young man he has become and the remarkable adventure he is about to embark on in college, I wanted to put down in words some thoughts for him and for others in the graduating class of 2025. Enjoy. -Greg

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Dear High School Graduates,

I want to share a few pieces of wisdom.

1

Measure your success by the quality of your relationships, not by title or money or awards.

You will chase many things: Degrees. Jobs. Paychecks. Promotions. They have their place. But at life's end, few people wish they'd spent more time at the office or accumulated more possessions. Instead, they always talk about connections they made and moments they shared.

Be present when you're with others.

Attention is our scarcest resource these days. Giving someone your undivided focus is a rare gift. Put down your phone. Listen not just to respond, but to understand. Try your best to free yourself of distractions when you are with others. People may not remember the conversation. But they will definitely remember how you made them feel.

3

Learn to be vulnerable.

The deepest connections aren't formed through perfection but through authenticity. Share your dreams and fears in the same ways. Allow others to share in your successes and your challenges equally.

4

Invest time consistently in relationships that matter.

Deep bonds aren't built in occasional grand gestures but in regular small moments of attention and care. It takes two to build these longstanding relationships but they tend to fall apart because one does not take the initiative to make it stick.

Be the one that makes it stick.

Celebrate others' victories as enthusiastically as your own. Send the text. Make the call. Show up at the ceremony. Shout it out from the rooftops. Be the friend who finds joy in others' happiness.

But also show up during difficult times. Anyone can be there for the celebrations. The relationships that sustain us are forged when we appear during someone's darkest days: with soup during illness, patience during grief, and presence during doubt.

6

Express appreciation specifically. "I value how you challenge my thinking" means infinitely more than "you're awesome." Don't assume people know how you feel about them. Tell them.

7

Strive to meet new people. As you enter new environments you have a rare opportunity to start fresh. Join groups aligned with your interests. Sit with someone new in the dining hall. Be open to friendships with people different from what you’re used to.

Remember that forming meaningful connections takes time. You may feel lonely at first. This is normal and temporary. Quality relationships develop gradually through shared experiences and mutual vulnerability.

8

Stay curious about the world around you. Curiosity will lead you to unexpected opportunities and deeper self-understanding. Read widely. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions…especially your own. With each new interest you pursue, each unfamiliar perspective you consider, you'll discover new parts of yourself.

The most meaningful connections often form when we share our explorations of the world with others. Your capacity to contribute meaningfully to any relationship or community expands with every new thing you learn about this vast, complex world we share.

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Years from now, your success won't be measured by your GPA or starting salary, but by questions like these:

Do you have people you can call at 2 AM in an emergency? Do you engage in conversations that challenge and inspire you? Are you surrounded by people who celebrate your authentic self?

The path ahead will have challenges, but with deep connections to sustain you, you'll find yourself not just successful, but fulfilled.

And yes, wear sunscreen. But more importantly, wear your heart where others can see it.

With excitement for your journey,

Greg