I remember my high school graduation like it was yesterday. It was seven years ago in June when hard work and dedication finally paid off. I became a high school graduate who was ready to take on the next opportunity. Many of us were bound for college and a good number were already enlisted in the military. I, along with nearly 150 of my classmates were ready to write a new chapter in our young lives. To this day, we are still chasing down our dreams and living the ones we have already chased down. In less than a year, I will be graduating from college. It’s another event in my life where I close one chapter and start another in the book of life. Though I myself am known for creating quotes of my own, I’ve decided to handpick ten of my favorite quotes just for graduation and what they mean. I hope these inspire you as much as they have with me. So, here it goes:
1) “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you’ll be the guy who’ll decide where you’ll go. Oh the places you’ll go.”-Dr. Seuss
One of the best quotes from the book. This book was quoted in my high school graduation speech. I also remember some of my friends getting this book as a gift for graduation. There are indeed a lot of places we will go, and we decide on where we go. This would be perfect for a high school graduation speech, if you happen to be the speaker. The book would be a perfect gift for a graduate if you’re a parent, friend, or a relative.
2) “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson hits the nail on the head with this one. Those who intend to lead the way in life should not only follow a path set by those who have lead them, but also make a trail of their own. While this is perfect for both high school and college graduations, it is also fitting to see this as a quote in the high school yearbook. High School yearbook staff, take note.
3) “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau tells us not to be afraid to follow our dreams. Life is what we make of it, and our dreams are only the blueprints. This is another quote that is fit for a high school yearbook. When you graduate from college, you will look back on this quote and realize that you have went in the direction of what you want to do in life. Graduation is just a step closer towards accomplishment.
4) “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”- Milton Berle
To translate, if you don’t see any opportunities or open doors to walk through, make one of your own. Later in life, you should grant opportunities to those who deserve it when you are in a position of leadership. In retrospect, I only wish this was the quote I used in my senior year for the yearbook.
5) “Graduation Day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed.” -Erma Bombeck
Bombeck takes a humorous approach to graduation. This is a perfect quote from those graduating from college. This translates as someone who has graduated from college and has gone out on their own. The normal college graduate is 22 years of age, which is why Bombeck appears to have used twenty-two instead of eighteen.
6) “13 years to acquire friendships, but a lifetime to keep them.” Author unknown
From kindergarten to senior year of high school, we have made so many friends and the memories we have with them. No doubt a quote to use in what else but high school graduations.
7) “When you leave here, don’t forget why you came.” Adali Stevenson II
Stevenson said this to college graduates during a commencement speech. It’s perfect for any kind of graduation. Many know why they came to the college of their choosing.
8) “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as a ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” -Tom Brokaw
I’ve always admired Tom Brokaw as a journalist. This quote from him is one of my favorites. For those who are about to graduate from college or even graduate school, take this quote to heart. Think of it as a reminder that you have the power to change the world and leave your mark.
9) “Put your future in good hands-your own.” Author unknown.
A great quote to remind us that the future is decided by us. We should not let others control our lives. I feel a sense of independence when I hear this quote. Any graduate should live by this quote as they grow older.
10) “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” -Judy Garland
As explained in the last quote, this is a good example to live by. Be yourself, and not somebody else. If you are considering a senior quote for the yearbook, I’d say this one would be a surefire bet.
Congratulations on graduating! You made it this far, but continue to go forward! Not bad for a graduation quote of my own.
