On the same day 412 Newtown High School seniors walked across a stage and officially became high school graduates, The Newtown Bee reached out through its social media outlets. We asked readers this week to share the advice they would offer to those graduating from high school this year.

Most of the responses were encouraging; many were also amusing. One was a little bleak, and one came from someone who took the same walk across the O’Neill Center stage ten years ago this month.

@JSCruwys tweeted: “Travel. Go see the world. Really see the world — a semester abroad where you still live in a dorm and attend classes with other American students doesn’t count!”

@GibneyCollege also tweeted a response: “College is a time to learn new things, meet new people, and to explore opportunities for post college. I advise students to be proactive and engage in college activities starting on day 1. Four years will go fast … be active and enjoy the journey.”

Through Instagram, @tah_dah_1022 said, “Chase down your passion like it’s the last bus of the night!” and @one_shoe_tim said, “Don’t do anything you’d have a hard time explaining at the ER.”

A number of readers responded through Facebook.

Laura Lerman suggested, “No matter what goes wrong, this too shall pass. No matter what mistake you make, it’s been made before and life has gone on.” Kristen Provost Switzer offered “Never lose your sense of wonder or your joy. Congrats, graduates!”

Jo-anne Galvin Sheehan offered: “Take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment.”

Kerri Williams quoted former President Barack Obama with, “The change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” Todd Keeping suggested, “Leave the state.”

Liz Cook said, “Nothing is achieved without hard work!” Stacey Purcell DeJulio urged the graduates to “Live life to the fullers and do what makes YOU happy! ✌️ ❤️ NHS Class of 2019!”

Tony Salvatore also offered advice through Facebook, offering, “‘You can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution.’ Congratulations!” Alison H. Thomas said “God bless and congratulations to the class of 2019!”

Shannon Day Bak shared a link to a video for Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen,” a song filled with sage advice. Deb LeMien offered, “Focus not on what you will do, but who you will become.”

Newtown High School graduate Katherine Will also chimed in via Facebook this week, saying, “If you have the time to take a nap take it and run. Naps are hard to get in, congratulations Class of 2019 from a member of the class of 2009, I know You will and can go far.❤️ ” 

Want to join future conversations? Follow The Newtown Bee on Facebook (facebook.com/thenewtownbee), Twitter (@thenewtownbee) and Instagram (@thenewtownbee).