1. Enjoy every minute of your graduation festivities. Live in the moment. There are very few opportunities in life for closure, which makes graduation a unique experience. Enjoy this chance to savor completing a significant task. Do not focus on what is coming next; there will be plenty of opportunities for that later.

2. Resolve to respect the principles of karma. Even if you think the Golden Rule is trite, remember that your actions lead to reactions that could adversely affect you later. Try not to do anything spiteful, malicious or inadvertently stupid as what goes around does eventually come back around.

3. Do not smoke. If you do smoke, quit immediately. There is no question that smoking is one of the most harmful things you can do to your body.

4. Even if you think you are invincible, take care of yourself. Watch your weight and try and exercise. Try not to do anything that has irreversible deleterious effects.

5. Register to vote. Be part of the civic process and go willingly when called for jury duty. Serving on a jury is a great honor and one that you may actually find that you enjoy. Be an active member of whatever community you live in wherever you live.

6. Always remember to give back. Serve as a volunteer or donate money to your favorite cause. You will receive much more than you give once you discover the benefits of helping others.

7. Remember that no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, including you. Do not beat yourself up over the past and instead learn from it and move forward. Forgive others for their errors.

Congratulations to you and your family on this wonderful occasion! Now go party - SAFELY.

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