Chenango County’s seniors will walk across the stage this weekend and receive their diplomas, launching them out of the comfort of high school and into a strange new setting, and before they take that step, I’d like to offer a bit of advice.

First, and most importantly, be careful not to step on your own graduation gown and tumble onto the floor during the promenade. I know it sounds impossible, but I came dangerously close to doing just that on the day of my graduation. (As a matter of fact, the same thing happened on my wedding day. Do you see a pattern starting to emerge?)

But, assuming you make it through graduation unscathed and intact, the best advice I can offer is to enjoy all of the opportunities available to a new graduate.

When I graduated from high school, I was terrified, and I thought that was a unique feeling. Everyone around me seemed so excited to be leaving the town where we had grown up. I was sure I was the only one feeling anxiety about starting the beginning of my adult life.