The tassel is worth the hassle

There are some occasions in life that shouldn't go by without some recognition. My family will be celebrating one of those occasions this weekend. On Saturday, my little sister will be graduating from high school.

In honor of her big day, I would like to share some special insights on graduations.

* All that stands between a graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder.

* The tassel is worth the hassle.

* There is a good reason why they call these "commencement exercises." Graduation is not the end; it is just the beginning.

* An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

* It is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o'clock.

* Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.

* If at first you don't succeed, do it like your mother told you.

* To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks.

My final piece of wisdom to all 2009 graduates comes from Aristotle who said, "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

For my little sister, I leave you with some words from Dr. Suess:

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the girl who'll decide where to go.