Graduation Parties

Like millions of high school seniors, my cousins-in-law graduated, selected colleges for the fall, and hosted a party for their friends and family to help them celebrate this milestone.  Their party was tonight.

I don't know them well; we don't hang out besides family functions, and we don't text or call.  Frankly I'm just too old to be cool anymore... at least in the eyes of high school seniors.  I don't mean to make them sound bratty at all.  They are wonderful young men, always polite and genuinely curious about what's going on in my life.  They are bright, and I know they will flourish in college.  You could see this in how they worked the party this evening.  They made the rounds multiple times, and they even played with all the kids running around.  Their parents should be (and I'm sure they are) very proud. 

I remembered back to my graduation party.  I tried my best to observe how things have changed in 17 years.  Looking around, not much has.  Both parties had crockpots full of meat, served on buns.  There were potato chips, veggie dips, soda, water and beer.  Both had tables set up outside, dozens of friends and family filtering in and out.  Both parties had photo montages (although 17 years ago, they were analog).

The one thing that stood out?  Today's had a chocolate fountain.  Too cool.

So in honor of graduation and of going off to college, I'd love to offer the soon-to-be college students some collegiate advice.  If you were sending a kid off to college, what would be one piece of advice you'd give s/he?