To the high school students who poured hours into study, mastered time management, and stayed dedicated to their goals — congratulations. You worked hard. You persevered and sacrificed in pursuit of excellence. You did it. We’re proud of you, and so are your loved ones.

Chances are, you’ll carry that same focus into your next chapter — be it college, work or service. Wherever you go, they’re lucky to have you. Since there’s more work ahead, I’ll release you from this editorial early. Enjoy your summer!

Now, for the rest of you graduates — the ones who didn’t always do the homework, missed a few too many days, or weren’t trying to hear what your teachers were saying — congratulations to you, too.

Not for coasting or barely making it, but because life just handed you something rare: a second chance. Many students see graduation as the finish line. In truth, it’s just the starting point. From here on, you’re not defined by your grades, your social circle, or any test score — but by the choices you make and the path you carve out for yourself.

If you want to be a stronger student, community colleges offer a fresh start without requiring a lifetime of savings. If you’re heading into the workforce, this is your chance to leave behind the habits that held you back and show up ready to grow.

It may not be easy, but you can catch up to those folks I mentioned in the second paragraph. The ones who seemed to have it all together? They didn’t get there without struggle, and neither will you — but it’s possible.

I understand that some of you faced challenges outside of school — responsibilities at home, financial stress, or circumstances that made it hard to devote the time you wanted to. But the fact that you made it across this stage, despite all that, means you’ve got resilience on your side. Keep going. We’re watching to see what you do next. However you got here, this is your new opportunity.

Take it from someone who graduated 492nd out of 496 — you’ve still got a shot.