On June 1, 1997, columnist Mary Schmich published a hypothetical graduation address in the Chicago Tribune. Readers may have heard her message, which started with “wear sunscreen,” and continued with a number of seemingly random pieces of advice. It became popularized in 1999, when filmmaker Baz Luhrmann put it to music.
In the spirit of Ms. Schmich’s column, I offer a Catholic school superintendent’s version of “wear sunscreen” to the Class of 2026.
Go to Mass. Every Sunday. Even when you don’t want to. It’s familiar to you as a Catholic school graduate. It is centering. The Mass is not magic, but it is supernatural. Even if you don’t currently go to Mass every Sunday, there’s no reason not to start now. God has an amazing plan for your life. At Mass, you hear His Word and you receive Him in the Eucharist. What better way to find your way than to turn to God for guidance?
Find a quiet place. You’ve taken more classes than you can probably count, for more minutes than you want to admit. You’ve played multiple sports in the same season; you’ve balanced band practice and homework; you’ve found ways to unwind and watched endless videos on your phone. It can be tempting to start shutting out all of the input that comes at you. But that would be a mistake. Finding a quiet place not only gives you a break from so much input, it also provides an opportunity to listen for God’s voice.
Cry sometimes. After all, it will probably happen even if you don’t want it to – and when you are least prepared for it. Things will get difficult. Let them. Life is not guaranteed to be easy or pleasurable. It’s often better when it’s not. Sadness, pain, and other suffering will help you grow. Your salvation came through the suffering of Jesus.
Cook. Make a meal for yourself at least once a week. Crack some eggs, shape the ground beef, marinate the chicken, chop the vegetables. Get your hands dirty – whatever the particular flavors and types of food you enjoy. While you’re at it, think of where that food came from. God gave us the gift of Earth’s resources. And remember how many people worked to bring you that meal you are preparing – those who planted the vegetables, raised the animals, and figured out how to get them from a farm to a store to your hands. Maybe you’ll be one of them someday.
Walk places with people. Make a point not to look at your phone while you do. Walking is one of the most ancient forms of accompaniment – and exercise. More people are lonely than you realize, even though they may look like they have a lot of friends and are connected to lots of people. You might get lonely, too. Walking with someone gives you a physical reminder that you’re not alone. It also leads to conversations that might help both people realize that.
You will probably hear many more words of advice in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. You will take some and leave some. But no matter what, remember God. Look for Him everywhere. Listen for His voice – at Mass, in quiet moments, in joy, in sadness, and in the faces and words of others. God is always there. Turn to Him. Trust Him. He is ready for you.
Dr. Bill Watson is superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Camden.
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