It’s that time of year. Summertime is near. Graduations are happening everywhere. They can be the usual pomp and circumstance,  or they can be cause for reflection and of course…another adventure.  For the parents,  aunties and uncles…often a midlife adventure.

My 14 year old nephew is all grown up now. (I guess that means I’m getting older. I’d rather focus on his rite of passage and not the passage of time!). He’s an amazing young man, still sweet like he was for all those years as a child. But now it’s time to celebrate his new chapter.

As I walked into this plush theatre, I remembered my own 8th grade ceremony. Claudia Panontin and I had the SAME GRADUATION DRESS! And because my last name is Pattin…well you can imagine. It was like a gigantic spotlight on the two graduating twinzies, standing right next to each other. I was mortified. That was my monumental rite of passage memory.

My nephew’s class looked like more like high school graduates, all decked out in their emerald green gowns onstage, perched on the edge of tiered seating. First the principal gave a speech about the school and how wonderful the students have been. Then fellow classmates introduced each student as they received their diploma, by reading the graduate’s pre-written answer to a question like, “What superpower would you most like to have?” or “What makes a successful life?” It was sort of a “This is your life” moment.

Then the student walked to the center stage mic and gave a short speech.

From navigating lively family dinners and the importance of them, to losing a favorite young uncle to cancer to volunteering at a food bank, moving from other countries and learning to speak English to enduring their own serious health challenges (like dwarfism) these very privileged kids (from an upscale Southern California suburb) were wise beyond their years as they shared their insights about their short lived lives.

Here’s what I learned about life from these 8th graders:

•Love and appreciate your parents (they do the best they can).

•Give back to the community and be grateful for all that you have.

•Don’t complain. Take action instead.

•Being a champion is NOT about winning.

•NEVER GIVE UP

So thanks 8th graders for this wonderful midlife adventure. You’ve reminded me to seize life and be in the moment with gratitude and to hold on to my dreams without ever giving up.

Adventure Tip: Look to those NOT in midlife for some wise words and inspiration.

-Tracy Pattin

Tags: 8th grade, advice, family, graduating classes, graduations, midlife adventures, nephews, nieces, teens, wisdom