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Graduation day wishes

“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.”

— Will Rogers

The fastest years of a parent’s life are those that fall between the initial tears of seeing Junior off to kindergarten and the final tears of the same child’s high school graduation.

In fact, graduation confirms what you feared clear back on that first day of kindergarten: Every passing day the child you taught to walk and talk grew less dependent on you and became more of his own person. You can only hope some values were instilled and some insight was provided that will pave the child’s way in life.

As this year’s graduation season begins, a flood of memories of our own children’s school years raced through our mind. We can relate to today’s parents wishing there was one more piece of advice — one final gem — that could be shared to ensure a happy life.

The closest we could come to such a gem is the Will Rogers quote at the beginning of this piece. Whatever profession you choose, be the best at it. Love doing it. Learn every aspect of the job and believe you are making a contribution to your community.

That advice doesn’t just apply to the workplace, either. Be the best spouse, parent and sibling you can be. Love your family, support your friends, help others who are less fortunate.

Finally, we’re certain that Will Rogers’ definition of success didn’t come with a dollar sign attached to it. Much more important than wealth is the satisfaction of a job well done and to wake every morning knowing you have loved and been loved.

(A version of this editorial has appeared previously in The Maui News.)

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

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