Christie Dedman/News StaffIf chairs could talk what would they say?Some would say, "A doctor sat here." Some would say, "An actor sat here." Some would say, "A meteorologist sat here." Some would say, "A blogger sat here."Some would say, 'A mom sat here."Some would say, "A youngster who's life ended too soon, sat here."Some would say, "A dad sat here."Some would say, "A dreamer sat here."Actually all of the chairs could repeat the last statement. Chairs support dreamers while they are on the stage of their kindergarten, middle school, high school or college graduation ceremony. That's what a chair is supposed to do, be there for us before we stand up and go into the world after completing educational phases in our lives.While graduates certainly can't seek advice from a chair, they can take advice from those of us who were seated there in the past. If we could leave notes taped to the chairs with words of encouragement, admonishments, advice, tips and more, I'm sure we would all have a lot to say. That's why I asked Bargain Mom readers to consider what they would tell members of the Class of 2012. Here's what they said:Aaron Watkins Be strong. Life is not what you're expecting. April Michelle Joyce Like I told my baby in 11. Be prepared,don't drop out and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. One day. Oh look back and realize,wow! I really did have some fun back then. Mine is a sophomore and has already switched colleges and majors. She realized quick that elementary education isn't a good choice when you aren't a fan of other peoples spawn. She is majoring in zoology now,a good fit. So,lesson. Don't do something you don't want to do just because someone else(her moron bio grandmother) expects you to. Another important rule. How he treats his mama is how he will treat you. Jennifer Penry Romano Get a masters degree. Lori Sparacio not even enough room here to type itFull Lifeahead Volunteer!!! It looks good on a resume' :) Plus, there are a lot of really good organizations in Birmingham.Elizabeth McCleney Follow your dreams and keep God first always!JessiKa Walker GO TO SCHOOL!!! Get some type of education under your belt. Partying is not all that and a bag of chips. Dont waste your week(ends) by getting drunk or doing drugs, it's just going to set you back in the long run. Stay focused, meet friends that will up lift you, and dont be afraid to ask for help!Nicole Biesterveld Take financial peace university to help better your future financially now. Rebecca Roy Choose your career before it chooses you!!Anna Parker Brittain Stay away from credit cards and don't date anyone seriously the first year!Savannah Nichols Richardson Don't waste money on school if you're not dedicated to your major. A diploma does NOT guarantee a job. Amy Browning Strickland Never say never, don't rush into marriage, don't miss out on something because someone told you that you aren't capable of doing it, take risks, live with no regrets, they will only get in your way, never settle, unless its going to lead to something better. Wow, I could keep going so long!! Best of luck to all 2012 graduates!Linda Wilson Haley #1 What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his soul? #2 Better to work yourself, scholarship yourself or CLEP yourself through school than take out student loans.Joanie Harlow Don't get a credit card!Debby Olmstead Don't get married till you are 32 or get a motorcycle, same age. Go to college, get a degree or learn a trade. Life owes you nothing. Nothing is free, no one owes you anything…. Life ain't easy, you don't start at the top, you have to pay your dues. If you are on time for work, your 15 mins. late. Put a helmet on that soldier…if you don't want a baby don't have sex with her..Kathy Barnett Be nice to your MotherJulie Holderfield The Bible is full of great advice. Follow it and you'll save yourself a WHOLE lot of heartache.Jennifer Knight Mamucud Don't apply for the credit card! Christina Foote Jackson Take Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Learn it and live it!Brandy Shirley Johnson Listen to your parents, they always have your best interest at heart. No credit cards. No one under 28 has any business getting married. Enjoy being a size 2 for short while longer because those freshman 15 will sneak up and tackle you while you are out downing beers!J.B. Pennington High School Alumni Association
I would encourage them to set their course, but expect a few detours and delays along the way, but stay true to your course and don't let the obstacles stop you from your destiny.
So here's your chance. Those of you who have stood up from the chairs at a graduation ceremony and walked out the door and tested yourself and the world, share your tips....