Note to all High School graduates.

When I was a senior, I already had a full scholarship lined out for my first 2 years in college. Today, that was 10 years ago. Looking back now, I wish I'd never received it. I've learned that when people have things handed to them, they don't appreciate them as much. In the same regard, I didn't take school seriously because there was nothing on the line, other than my future career, which at that point was very subjective from day to day. I'd almost give anything to go back to those days and be a poor, starving college student beating all the odds to become successful. Unfortunately, things just happened to fall in my lap and I've been very lucky at the opportunities that have crossed my path. I'm not saying I haven't worked very hard to accomplish what I have. I think I've done very well keeping my head on straight and staying focused on my new goals. I guess the point of all this is to my friends, family, or anyone who has a recent grad, please let them know these words. What you do doesn't impact your life immediately. The results of  what you do now will not show until years down the road. You'll never meet one person who hasn't said "I wish I could quit smoking". Likewise, you'll never find someone who hasn't said "I wish I'd tried harder in school", because the world is a very unforgiving place and starting life all over isn't generally an option.

So, if you're one of those along for the ride, don't take it lightly, because this is the easy part. Don't just enjoy the trip; pave the road and never lose sight of your final destination, because once you get off course, it can cost you many regrets, and regrets tend to stay on your record forever.