J45: Advice for Seniors

Dear Graduates,
This is the first year that I've really known and cared about the senior class. Though many memories fade, in my mind's eye I can still see you as squirming little freshmen in English I. My first piece of advice would be not to forget that youth. In every public act you seem to want to show yourself as older. The ever-growing wall of senior portraits behind my desk is a testament to that. I have to say that, for the most part, you don't look that grown up yet. Perhaps that is how you would like to be remembered by others and yourself, but I know better. You still have more of those squirmy qualities than you would like to admit. And that's a good thing as long as you don't take it too far. It is not a shame to, like Peter Pan, never quite grow up. I speak from experience on that one.

On the other hand, you will have to make a lot of changes. The universities and workplaces don't generally want adults who act like kids. It's a balancing act, but you can do it.

Most of all, be well always. I know you can't control everything that happens in life, but you can control your attitude about it.

Sincerely,
Bewls

P.S. Don't forget where you came from. Literally. It's okay to visit now and then.

J43: Personal Best

I haven't been as good this year about writing with you as I intended before all hell broke loose in the fall, thus my choices are a bit limited. I honestly think that my personal best of this year is an episodic piece of nonfiction I'm currently working on. I also think that some of my journal entries are worthy of note. Perhaps revising some of them would be a good thing to do.