For graduates only . . .
By now, you probably have been advised about everything from going off into space to "being a good boy or girl" when you do leave home for more schooling or for that first fulltime job, so let's just say right now, you've just about had it.
Mom and Dad have always been around (and podner, they're still going to be within reach) to help you with problems, loan you money, wake you up in time to get to school, see to it you've got clean, starched and ironed clothing and plenty of the right kind of foods to keep your mind alert. But you're to the point now where the folks are going to be a little more lenient and let you stretch your legs a bit.
Many years ago, a boy or girl 18 years of age had reached manhood or womanhood. That is still true in some places, but not necessarily here at home.
For the boys, you've got to show the old man you can watch your dollars and still have enough to live on the rest of the week and the girls have go to show their mothers they can keep an apartment (especially the hose-laden bathrooms) neat and spotless.
Still, there is much more and most of you will learn it the hard way. What would you say on your first job application, if your prospective employer asked you, in reference to salary, "how much do you think you are worth?" Mom and Dad could handle that in an adult-to-adult talk with the boss, but it'll likely choke you down.
There is no end to job opportunities for high school graduates. There are those big summer paying jobs that peter out in the winter, those "rough it" jobs that result in sunburn and aching backs and those white collared jobs in the air conditioned offices, which might not pay as much to start, but which are 12 months long.
Keep this in mind: People are working fewer hours each week and as a result they have more time on their hands. The result: Recreation and entertainment. Put those two together and you can have a fine future.
But it's not all so rosy. There could be a war and many of you boys are at the age where you make the best soldier because you act first. A war could change your entire lives as it has many people.
But keep your chin up. Remember, you live in a free country with rights handed you on a silver platter. Don't abuse that . . . build it into your backbone, walk straight, carry it proud, protect it and hand it to the next generation.
You and only you can care for the next generation.