‘NO MATTER WHAT PATH OUR YOUNG ONES CHOOSE, IT WILL BE AN AMAZING JOURNEY’

IT is the moment students and parents have been waiting for – the end of the school year, signifying that the holidays have arrived and Christmas is only a few weeks away.

For many, it is the end of high school, a poignant punctuation that marks another milestone before heading to work, university, or to learn a trade. For some it is a gap year to explore the world and decide what to do next.

As parents we are experiencing flashbacks to the first day these young fledglings started school with backpacks larger than their entire body and now, we are crossing our fingers in the hope that their learnings at school and our guidance over the years, will equip them for their next step … the real world.

While we share in their anxiety as together we await the academic results, we are also in a deeply reflective mode quizzing ourselves as to whether we have imparted the necessary life skills that will be their moral compass and guide them when they leave home to take their next step. Sure, some may continue to stay at home, but either way, their level of independence has just accelerated.

But first, it is off to Schoolies for the purported rite of passage – to celebrate a week of freedom from school. I am still perplexed as to the real purpose of this celebration and why it exists. Sure, there is a deserved celebration at the end of their high school years, but not at the expense of putting parents into a nervous and anxious wreck for the entire week. Somehow I feel this week may be better celebrated by giving back to society, or just spending time with family and in particular to acknowledge the role of parents for the first 18 or so years of a student’s life.

Once Schoolies is out of the way and we can all sigh with relief, it is vital we make the time to engage in open and frank conversations with these young, ambitious souls. What advice would we give to our younger self, knowing we are living in very different circumstances and an environment that has vastly changed since we were young.

My first advice would be open your eyes to the existing situation of world conditions and inquire about what the future is going to bring.

The present condition of the world – its economic instability, social dissensions, political dissatisfaction and international distrust – should awaken all youth from their slumber and make them enquire what the future is going to bring. It is surely they who will suffer most if some calamity sweeps over the world.

Be prepared to make choices. Don’t be scared to share your opinion. You will be judged, but don’t be scared of judgment.

In making choices, not every choice will be the right decision. Don’t be scared to fail. I know that it seems counterintuitive, however, without failure there won’t be success. Failure brings learnings and should build character. It should build resilience, courage and persistence. The best successes emerge from failure. Think of any major discovery or achievement in history and no doubt failure and rejection preceded it. For every crises, a victory has followed and in this process, the knowledge bank of wisdom grows as experience becomes our best teacher.

You may pick the wrong job, or the wrong degree. It doesn’t matter. Believe in your heart that you will learn from everything you do. Every decision you make is a stepping stone.

You must listen hard. It is a privilege to learn and you should learn constantly from everyone around you. Where possible find a mentor. The most important things I have learnt in my life have been from people from whom I thought I had nothing to learn. Always keep your mind open and heed the advice and words of wisdom from those who care about you.

Find balance in your life, it is vital to achieving equilibrium – which is when we perform at optimum levels. This applies to treating our bodies with respect – exercise and have a healthy approach to eating. After all, our bodies have to carry us through many years ahead.

Help those in need, and in particular assist strangers. Treat all humanity with kindness and respect. Remember there is a reason why someone comes into your life, and in giving we also benefit.

Lastly, have trust and faith in your own ability. Believe in you! We are all born with unique talents and capacities. We just need to tap into them and let these natural skills guide us to the next chapter in our life in the hope that we discover how to best tap into these attributes and find our true path in life and flourish.

No matter what path our young ones choose to follow, it will be an amazing journey for them and those watching.

Of vital importance, is that we inspire our youth to contribute to a future that will bring forward an everadvancing civilisation.