Spring 2008 commencement exercises are over. Graduates are aware that new phases of life await those who studied well for the credentials awarded by high schools, colleges and universities. The credentials are more than the sheepskin on which they are printed. But do graduates really know what’s in their hands?

It is expected that some know. But if the question were raised for definite responses rather than heard rhetorically, reasonable follow-up might not exist. The Rev. Dr. David McKinney, pastor of the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, offers a response to what recent graduates have in their hands.

Said Dr. McKinney: “Graduation is a defining moment for them. They have a passport to their future; a chance to engage in new opportunities; an instrument for changed behavior; a real investment in their life; a chance to engage in servant-hood, with a knowledge about this commitment; a reverence for human justice.” This is heavy lifting.

A percentage of the graduates will struggle philosophically with the “Graduates, what’s in your hands?” question. Some will be clueless to what a diploma or degree actually means to them. But they will soon come to grips with the reality that they are expected exercise leaps of faith in their endeavors.

Life does appear to be seductively easy for some graduates. This is the basis for a great lie. Life is going to be difficult at times, and at no point will it be seductively easy. There will be situations where good fortune and conveniences will come early. Persons will likely gain favors and advancements not privileged to everyone. That’s life.

Should graduates be worried about their future? Absolutely. The world is in a fix. It is hard to concentrate on core values that made the United States a nation able to avoid difficulties faced by other nations. Today’s graduates will witness wars, unfavorable global economies, explosive health care concerns, environmental worries, hungriness related to poverty, retirement issues, etc.

These are real challenges. Here are seven responses for graduates to consider in their response to the “Graduates, What’s in your hands?” question.

1. Economic prosperity over poverty. Strive to prosper sufficiently.

2. Meaningful civic engagements. Get to know your community; let it know you.

3. Truthfulness over deceitfulness. This attribute will serve you well.

4. Continuous educational activity. Your education now is only a starting point.

5. Personal responsibility for actions. Do not blame others for your problems.

6. Diverse friendships. Diverse friendships are crucial in a new world order.

7. Technological astuteness. Consider this a mantra of the highest order.

Today’s graduates possess the necessary tools to garner sufficiency for themselves and humankind. By using their credentials wisely, they will surely generate credible responses to the question: “Graduates, what’s in your hands?”

You may reach T&D Columnist Howard D. Hill, Ph.D., via www.educationconsultant@sc.rr.com.

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