During the next several weeks, high school seniors in our area will walk across various stages to receive the piece of paper they’ve been working toward for the past 13 years.

The real world they’ve heard so much about is about to welcome them with wide open arms.

But for many of these students, reality is about to set in because while the real world may welcome you, reality can give you a swift kick in the pants in the blink of an eye.

My advice: listen to those around you who have been able to wade through these murky waters of life. This is the time to grab the life lines they throw your way and hold on tight.

If you can, pursue more education and training.

Record numbers of students have applied at most institutions of higher educatioin in this state and others. Tuition has been on a steady climb for the past 10 years, creating a budget dilemma for both students and their parents.

For many of these students entering the realm of higher education, working part-time will no longer be optional — it will be a necessity to make it through school without accumulating thousands of dollars in student loan debts.

Many students in our Skagit County schools have been actively applying for scholarships, grants and other avenues of financial aid since this past fall.

If going to college in the fall isn’t in the cards, look at other types of training.

Students who are looking at going straight into the workforce will probably face stiffer competition for entry level positions, since the downshift in economy means more and more people are taking jobs they might not have applied for several years ago.

Today’s economy also means more folks who didn’t pursue a college degree after high school are taking their pink slips and finding their way to the nearest campus to acquire the training needed to support their families.

These are the folks who follow Milton Berle’s advice: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

They know that in order to be successful in life, you have to be creative.

These people don’t complain about not having enough, they make plans on how they can work a few more hours at a second job so they can pay off their debt and have a little left over for retirement.

These are the real role models for today’s graduates.

Work hard and pursue something you love, whether that is being a doctor, lawyer, attorney or stay-at-home parent.

Remember to make time for your family, because in the end they’re the ones that matter more than anything.

And they’re the ones who will catch you when reality sends you flying backward.

* Richardson is the editor of The Argus. She can be reached at 360-855-1641 or via e-mail at .