Exactly 30 Years Later, Brain's Son Set To Graduate High School

Life is full of strange and wonderful moments. Little coincidences that almost go unnoticed. This month, our son Chase will graduate from Marion High School as a member of the class of 2023. He isn't quite sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life. How many 18-year-olds really are? 30 years ago his old man was having similar thoughts.

30 years ago in the spring of 1993, I was the 18-year-old getting set to graduate. My senior year at Anamosa High School was a big moment for me as I discovered something that I didn't know I was good at. My parents made me go out for individual speech. I was horrified. I hated speaking in front of people. So I chose the only category where you didn't have to talk in front of people. Radio news and broadcasting. And it turned out I was pretty good at it. Unbeknownst to me, I'd found my calling.

Brain

As Chase gets set to leave the halls of high school, he isn't quite sure what his next step is going to be. Like me, he'll begin his post-high school education at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. From there perhaps a four-year school or the workforce. He's also expressed some interest in the trades. We encouraged Chase to really enjoy his senior year. To do things that he hadn't done thus far in school. From homecoming and proms to his stellar season running track, he has made it a senior year to remember.

Timothy Flynn

Sunday, May 28th. The day when Chase will walk across the stage and enter the uncertainty of adulthood. It will be a day of celebration to be sure. But it will also be a day to begin to look forward, towards what is possible. Much like I looked forward 30 years ago. Many graduates may think that the best days of their lives are behind them. But the truth is, the rest of your life will be even more amazing. All you have to do is have the courage to take the first step.