What do you want to be when you finish school? Graduation is a time to truly reflect on who you are, what you've become and how you feel about the world around you. High school offers us a chance to begin this process and some of us actually get lucky and figure it out before we graduate. Not all of us really know who we are or we are afraid, for whatever reason, to be ourselves in front of others. As you go forward into your future, you need to be comfortable with who you are to find your place in the world. Eventually we all learn that those who truly care about us will allow us to be ourselves without judgment. They will in fact, encourage it.

The youth are about to begin real life! Know that there will be obstacles; there will be days when you wonder why you were so excited to leave high school. Remember, if you mess up, it's not your parents' fault; so, don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. As the great Dr. Seuss once said, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

As you leave high school, don't fret over leaving behind the life you have had, and don't waste precious time wishing you could do it over differently because you can't. . Face the future with the understanding that you will be more aware of your actions and make the most of every choice you make. The future offers a blank canvas for you to paint your own future. Embrace the past, be grateful for it, learn from it and move on.

Go and grab your slice of the post-secondary pie.

Do what you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life. You have the gift of time. Use it to do what you love. Believe anything is possible and then work like hell to make it happen. An old Cree proverb says, "Realize that we as human beings have been put on this earth for only a short time and that we must use this time to gain wisdom, knowledge, respect and the understanding for all human beings since we are all relatives." So be kind to each other and help each other because it’s the right thing to do. 

Congratulations to all the graduates. Grab your sun glasses because your future is bright.

University isn't for everyone. There is a severe shortage of skilled trades' people in Saskatchewan. If you ever dreamed of being a Carpenter, Millwright, Plumber, Iron worker or Electrician, go for it: you can make some good money. Consider taking a course at a SIAST campus. 

Maybe you want to be a Chef? There are wonderful culinary schools all over the world. Imagine travelling to Paris or Moose Jaw: the world is your prairie oyster.

Cooking not your cup of tea? Maybe you love to mess around with computers – you could be the next Steve Jobs (inventor of the Apple computer). Whatever you choose, do your best and enjoy. 

Congratulations to all the graduates. Grab your sun glasses because your future is bright. Next month I'll introduce you to an awesome young man, Creeson Agecoutay.

Keep your letters and emails coming.  Send your questions or comments to:  Sandee Sez c/o Eagle Feather News P.O. Box 924 ST Main Saskatoon, S7K 3M4 or by email.