It has been 28 years since I walked down the center isle of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in my white cap and gown and received my high school diploma. I was one of 72 seniors graduating from Immaculate Conception High School for Girls in 1993.
The Class of 2020 was the very last graduating class from Immaculate Conception, as the high school closed its doors after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the student population to decline significantly. Now only the elementary and middle school, both co-ed, remain on the beautiful campus in Midtown Memphis.
In looking back at that day 28 years ago, I remember being thrilled about ditching the plaid skirts, saddle oxfords, and knee socks. I was anticipating my next adventure as a freshman at the University of Mississippi, and at the time, I did not realized that I would never see some of my classmates again.
I can count on one hand how many of my classmates I have seen since that day in May 1993. I keep up with many on social media. I get to see photos of their children and their lives as adults. I shared in the grief with these girls at the passing of two of our classmates and many loved ones throughout the years.
A few months after my graduation day, I was moving to a new city – albeit only an hour away from my childhood home – and I would make new friends, learn new things, and forge a new path.
I had big plans and even bigger dreams, and I was going to make my mark, do the unthinkable, and maybe even change the world. Not everything I dreamed of became a reality, but I have few regrets in looking back at my life.
Every year, I share with the local graduates a few of those lessons I’ve learned over the years – lessons I wish I could have shared with that idealist young girl back in 1993.
• One of my favorite quotes is “Goals are just dreams with deadlines.” Adults, in an effort to encourage young people, always say, “If you dream it, you can achieve it.” Well, that isn’t exactly true. You can dream your life away. You have set goals, make a plan to achieve those goals, and put in the work needed to accomplish them.
I prefer the quote by Roy Bennett, “Dreams don't work unless you take action.” If you want something, anything is achievable if you are willing to put in the work.
• Choose your friends wisely. Take my advice here. There are people in the world who will bring out the very best in you, and there are people who will bring out the worst. Learn the difference.
• Have fun, but not too much fun. I loved college – every minute of it. I got a top-notch education. I made some wonderful life-long friends and have a treasure trove of memories that I will cherish forever.
However, college is meant to get an education and not just get through your courses. I wish I would have taken advantage of every educational opportunity offered – special programs, guest lectures, brown bag luncheons, cultural events. I feel like I was given a glass full of knowledge, and I only took a few sips. Drink in every drop of education you can.
And even after your formal education ends, continue to learn. Read books, watch documentaries, keep up with current events. There is always room to improve yourself.
• When opportunity knocks, open the door! The one thing I did right in my young adult years was to take advantage of nearly every opportunity that came my way. Regret is a bitter pill for never taking the chance. Sometimes, you have to put the fear aside and take a leap of faith.
Now, I am a hand-wringing worrier – just like the rest of the Sexton family. I proceed through life with caution – always aware of the too-good-to-be trues, false promises, get-rich-quick schemes. I am a take-no-chances kind of girl with a hearty dose of old-fashioned responsibility.
If I hadn’t taken a leap of faith, I would not have moved to the Crossroads and taken the position of editor and publisher of The Winona Times and The Conservative.
And you know what? It is still the best decision I’ve ever made.
• Remember, tomorrow isn’t promised. I think this is the most important lesson I can offer.
I lost both my parents in a span of seven months. My father passed away tragically and unexpectedly, and my mother lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s.
I learned from the loss of my parents that every minute you spend with your loved ones is priceless. Oh, what I would give to spend just one more minute with my Daddy and Momma!
So, after you leave the nest, call your parents regularly. Tell them you love them. Visit often, and realize that one day, you won’t be able to go home again.
So graduates, as you take those steps into the real world, anything is possible through hard work, a strong support system, a great education, and by embracing every opportunity life sends you.
Congratulations, graduates. May the road rise to meet you as you travel into your futures.
