Well, graduates, you’ve just about done it.

You’re wrapping up years of hard work that earned you the right to turn that tassel.

We know it wasn’t easy. You faced plenty of challenges along the way.

But you didn’t let those challenges deter you. You made them strengthen you by taking lessons from them instead of discouragement. You pressed on.

You’ve made lots of friends along the way. Hopefully, you’ll keep some of them. Some of them will slip out of your orbit as life happens. That’s OK. Cherish the memories.

You have new skills. Maybe you don’t think they’ll apply to what comes next. Maybe they won’t — at least not directly — but you’ve learned how to learn, and that’s a skill you’ll need every day for the rest of your life. Take it to heart, keep it, and work it like a muscle so it stays strong.

You did it.

You should pat yourself on the back. Bask in the glory of your accomplishment.

And then take a deep breath. There’s still more work ahead.