Graduation Letter to Elaina Deeter

 

Congrats upon your graduation. You are the first of the first – the first child in your family and the 1^st grandchild. I remember when you were born. We got a call that you were on the way and we drove to Louisville in the dark of night. There were flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder in the hills of Kentucky as we made our way to the hospital. We were all overjoyed to finally see you that morning. It was quite an entrance to the world.

I understand that you plan to major in astrophysics and go work at NASA. I would remain flexible with both of those options. Keep an open mind as you take classes, you could find another area of interest that excites you even more. And I would bet that SpaceX will make it to Mars before NASA, so they could be the more exciting employer – particularly with Elon Musk at the helm.

One area where you must remain steadfast is your decision to go to Ohio State. With the recent decision of the ncaa to pay athletes, they need your money to pay for that football team. Sacrifices are needed to keep those athletes happy.

It has been a long, dreary slog to get through school. I am sure that you are happy to have this phase of your life in the rearview mirror. New adventures, new experiences, new friends await. I recall your mother saying that you are leaving the Buccs to become a Buckeye!

Now it is time for advice. To quote Shakespeare – neither a borrower nor a lender be. People have a habit of not paying you back. And credit cards are so easy to use, but so hard to pay off. Be cautious of rich kids, they have nothing to lose. My 1^st roommate had rich parents. He stayed up all night and had a good time. Did not study at all. He flunked out of course, but then there was no repercussions for failure – his parents could take care of him. Most of us do not have that luxury.

Well I have rambled on for long enough. Enjoy this day as you have earned it after 12 years of drudgery. More importantly there is money enclosed – spend it as you wish!

The Grandparents Tilton

Graduation Letter to Gabe Bieker

 

Congratulations – you did it, you graduated. It was 12 long years of the grind – wearing upon the mind and soul. Hopefully the experience did not scar you too much. And the lessons that were learned - if you are lucky maybe 10% of that you will be able to put to practical use. A lot of drudgery for so little reward. But yet you got your certificate, so that is an accomplishment.

I have not heard if you plan to pursue your education beyond high school. If you do not, I could almost see why based upon the experience that most people have in their first 12 years of school. But there is something to be said about having some sort of certificate or degree. That will put your resume to the top of the stack when you apply to jobs.

And education at the next level is different. People want to be there, in high school the majority of students are there because they have to be. But at a college or trade school, students want to be there and they are paying money to do so. They are not just putting in time, they actually want to learn. So you will be around motivated people who are actually paying attention (and tuition).

Here is some more boring advice -so try to stay awake. Keep an open mind with your career. People make changes all the time until they find their groove. Your 20's are your ramp onto the highway. Try a career or 2 or 3. You are young enough to try and fail, or start all over again from the bottom rung if need be. But by the time you are in your 30's you should be on the highway of your chosen career. This will be your peak earning years as you get into your 40's and 50's.

Ok, enough of this drivel – more importantly there is money enclosed. So spend this as you will – have fun, enjoy the freedom while you can!

Your Great Uncle and Great Aunt Tilton