As a family of four weekly newspapers and many more monthly and annual publications, Current Publishing has a number of talented reporters who have learned much about how the world works.

While reporters are trained to be observers – rather than participants – in the action, it’s rare to hear directly from these hardened but still hardy souls, who have seen it all and written about much of it. So, according to Current Publishing tradition, it is apt at this time of year, high school graduation time, that we turn over this space to our reporters to impart some hard-earned, real-life wisdom to this year’s crop of grads. Some of their advice is fun, some serious, but all of it is useful to help navigate the changes and challenges that are to come.

Kate Irish Collins (The Current)

• Be yourself and do what’s right for you, not what other people think is best or what others may expect.

• Be grateful for every experience, even the painful ones, because it’s experience that teaches us.

• Laugh every day.

Kayla J. Collins (The Current)

• Life has many ups and downs. Remember to always stay positive, especially in your future academic endeavors or career, and strive to be the best you can be – despite the challenges. Never give up on your dreams. It may take time, but you will get there eventually.

• Just because your peers may be pursuing a different career path than you, doesn’t mean yours is any less important. Whether you are a writer, a doctor, an engineer, or a business owner, you each are contributing to the community in some way – and strengthening the economy. Your first job after high school isn’t a forever job. But it will give you certain skills that you will always have, and may even be able to put toward your future career.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything will fall into place how it’s supposed to. Put forth your utmost effort in everything you do!

Larry Grard (Tri-Town Weekly)

• Hang out with people different from yourself. Being popular with your own crowd is great, but see how you fit in with others. It will broaden your perspective.

• Try planting something. There’s something very soul satisfying about making something grow. And believe it or not, it can feel good getting your hands dirty.

• Get unplugged. Make a habit of doing something, or going somewhere, without your cell phone. It’s called freedom, and it allows the mind to wander. Not a bad thing, sometimes.

Robert Lowell (American Journal)

• To enhance academic success in college, study the professor.

• Raise the bar of expectations for yourself and don’t accept mediocrity.

• Improve your quality of life by aiding the needy.

Andrew Rice (American Journal)

• Enjoy the moment, but don’t feel pressure to go out and accomplish big things right away.

• Don’t pass up a chance to travel or experience new things.

• Don’t let anyone tell you what you should be doing. Find what makes you happy, and be good at it.

Ezra Silk (Lakes Region Weekly)

• Never underestimate the complexity of everything.

• Don’t let complexity paralyze your ability to make decisions.

• Make sure you believe in what you do with your time. If not, you will probably be unhappy.