We are in the midst of graduation season.

I love this time of year. It’s wonderful to see young men and women as they complete their journey in education and embark upon the next chapter of their lives.

As a parent, I learned the sentimental aspect of graduation week. As all of the childhood memories start flooding forward, it makes you realize that life really is short and you need to make the most of and cherish every moment and opportunity.

The little things you obsessed and worried about during the years might look paltry at the moment of graduation. But, they weren’t insignificant at the time, you and your family were experiencing them. They were important and helped build upon your child’s opportunity to experience this achievement.

During the month of May there are celebrations for those graduating from preschool, kindergarten, eighth grade, high school and technical schools/colleges.

I have heard critics say that we celebrate too many things in this day and age. However, I respectfully see the opposite. The celebrations are important for so many reasons.

First, they build a sense of accomplishment. This helps build confidence for the next journey or step in a person’s life.

This ties into the philosophy of retired Naval Adm. William H. McRaven. He made headlines a couple of years ago when he spoke to graduates at the University of Texas with the advice, “When you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.”

Admiral McRaven is totally right. Completing a task, regardless of the magnitude, can set a positive tone, which can lead to a greater sense of confidence to tackle other projects or tasks.

Additionally, being able look forward to future events can be a great motivator for future success and improved mental outlook/mindset. My beloved grandmother, Mabel Gowen, had a saying that my mom and I have always tried to live by, “You always need something to look forward to.” For those moving forward from Preschool there is the next journey into Kindergarten. The journey continues from there.

Finally, for those wondering about the financial impact of the high school graduates, which have been taking place this month, the impact is extremely significant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that high school graduates make, on average, nearly $10,000 more per year than those without than those without a high school diploma. Over the course of a normal career that amounts to over $300,000 in additional earnings for a high school graduate.

I vividly remember my high school graduation, just over 42 years ago. The gym, which didn’t have air conditioning, was stifling. But, in spite of the elements I still look back upon it as one of the most enjoyable moments of my life.

My friends and I describe the hot gym experience as a one of our many character building experiences. Four days later, I nearly died when I was a passenger in a horrific car accident. Thanks to God’s grace and the amazing God given abilities of the late Dr. Andres Apostol I survived.

Because of this, every day since then,15,330 days for those of us who are counting, has been a blessing. I definitely have a reason to look forward to every approaching day.

All the best to the Class of 2023, whether you are graduating from preschool, high school, basic training, or college — don’t stop pursuing your dreams and always have something to look forward to in your life.

Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author, and motivational speaker. He can be reached at jonhorner77@gmail.com