by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

After more than 20 years of teaching in higher education, I still enjoy graduation season. The inspiring speeches, the pride on students’ faces, and the subtle relief from parents never get old.  I also reflect over what I learned in college.  We’re not just talking about journalism, government, or law per se.  But the things you learned that weren’t necessarily taught in a classroom.

College taught me how to manipulate a bureaucracy.   It taught me how to understand how systems work and more importantly how to get things done.  Which has served me well over the past 30 years.

That’s why I believe that what you learned in college, if you were paying attention, extended beyond textbooks, labs and lectures. As debates swirl around higher education—academic freedom, student debt, free speech, anti-Semitism, and diversity—we ask the fundamental question: is college still worth it?

The answer is yes—but only if done right. I’ve long argued not everyone needs a four-year degree. Certifications, associate degrees, and other post-secondary options can be just as valuable. Still, education is more than credentials; it’s preparation for life.

So, to the Class of 2025, here’s some advice to help you prepare for life as you step into the “real world.” Feel free to share this, there’s no pride in ownership —or add your own insights.

  • Everything happens for a reason, sometimes we just can’t figure it out right away, but eventually, we do.  And you will be amazed at how the tragedy was necessary for you to triumph later. Had my ex-girlfriend not broken up with me, I would have never met my wife.
  • Fear is okay, being afraid is not.  A good healthy dose of fear helps keep the stupid stuff that can ruin your future. Being afraid means you are less likely to take risks and explore new opportunities that can open lots of doors down the road.
  • The habits you developed here will either help or hinder you in the next phase of your life, so if you have problems with punctuality, finishing tasks on time, and working well with others, I suggest you fix them ASAP.
  • The only thing you are owed is to be treated with dignity and respect.  And that is all you owe anybody else.
  • We will all make mistakes along the way; it’s called experience.  The trick is to learn from them so you don’t repeat them. Repeating mistakes and expecting a different outcome is called idiotic.
  • Remember, learning is a lifelong process.  Never stop trying to improve yourself.  That will come in handy in 2050 when the AI and robots show up to do your job.  And this will be more important in 2060 when they begin their takeover of the world.
  • Never get all your news from one place. Expose yourself to different points of view.  You can disagree without being disagreeable.  No one has a monopoly on good ideas or stupidity.
  • Find a job that makes you happy. You will live to whatever income you make so it will never be enough, but if you love what you do for a living it is then that the paycheck is worth it. And remember to save a little for a rainy day and feel free to splurge on occasion.
  • Before you dismiss the advice of older people, remember, they didn’t get to be old by being stupid.  There are a lot of young people lying in the ground right now who thought they knew everything.
  • Have a sense of humor.  Be able to laugh, with others and at yourself.  Watch “Blazing Saddles”. Life’s too short to be  “mad as hell” 24 /7.  It’s not good for your health and it makes you age quicker.

Now go out, do well for yourself,  do good by others and enjoy all life has to offer.

Congratulations, graduates!

Abdul-Hakim is the editor and publisher of Indy Politics.