This graduation column from Chicago Tribune writer Mary Schmich was published in 1997 and was so popular that it was set to music and made into videos.
We bring a condensed version for its wisdom and its encouragement to embrace all of life’s joys, not only to those who graduate this month, but all our readers:
“Wear sunscreen.
“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists.
“Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. You will not understand until they’ve faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
“Don’t worry about the future. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
“Do one thing every day that scares you.
“Sing.
“Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.
“Floss.
“Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long and, in the end, it’s only with yourself.
“Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
“Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
“Stretch.
“Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.
“The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t.
“Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
“Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t. ... Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else’s.
“Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.
“Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
“Get to know your parents. You never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They’re your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
“Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on to.
“Respect your elders.
“Be careful whose advice you take, but be patient with those who supply it.
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