Date Posted: 7/22/2012 12:04:49 AM
Posted By: Kitavi Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 1987
Back in high school our parents and guardians were most anxious about the company we kept, as this determined the kind of activities we engaged in while at home and at school. They enabled us to choose our friends carefully. We saw this as slavery and torture and resisted activity. Whereas completing high school comes with a degree of freedom, it is not the end of parental care and guidance. It is only because high school and teenage are the transition years between childhood and adulthood that parents are most keen on their children's behavior. There are questions we young people ought to ask ourselves upon crossing over from high school to university or other endeavors of life. "Will my parents still keep a critical eye on of now that i am mature enough to be on my own? What do i need to maintain the good grades i achieved in high school while in college? Will i still keep the good company i had in high school? Will i also be a role model to those behind me?" These and other points to ponder will determine how we face life's temptations along the way. Adulthood, as we fondly refer to this phase of life, has 'pleasures' previously denied that we are finally exposed to. It is up to us to face challenges of unemployment, sex, alcohol and substance abuse. This should be easy if we are principled and hold good values, and are focused on securing a promising future for ourselves. Remember at this point every decision we make is up to us. Our parents and guardians are most likely busy with younger siblings and will not be overly concerned about where we are, who we are with, or what we are doing. It is up to us to guard and protect ourselves. The issue of how to guard and protect ourselves is the key to a great future. To begin with, we have to maintain high academic achievement. The good grades we attained in high school should not be thrown out of the window. How well we perform in the courses we study in college will determine how employers view us, as they base appointments and promotions on academic standing as well as other positive personal qualities such as dependability and focus. It is our responsibility to maintain high standards by taking assignments and course work seriously. We cannot do this if we keep the wrong company. Isn't it funny how we are tempted to change from good to bad friends as we grow older? We want all the 'fun' things these 'bad' peers do, and not the 'straight and boring' stuff we are used to. Suddenly those who scored As and B's in high school find themselves struggling to remain in college. The reason is not because courses are harder, but rather a negative shift in attitude. There are two things that shape our future as youth; good academic grades and good company, both of which go hand in hand. If we ignore one, the other will no doubt collapse and it is up to us to watch ourselves and adopt strong principles that ensure we do not lose focus. Remember there is a point beyond which our parents and guardians cannot cross with us. We have to take it on our own as we also guide those brought our way, like offspring and the younger generation. So, let us make our choices carefully. After all no one can live life for another person.
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