A message to the Loveland Class of 2018

By Loveland Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse,

Dear Class of 2018:

You have turned that tassel and headed out to take on the world. For a celebration of such magnitude, I turned to some classic characters from childhood that I hope you will remember as you continue to grow, as written by author A.A. Milne, for four very important pieces of advice.

Find your Piglet.

One day Piglet tells Winnie the Pooh, “If it weren’t for you, we’d be a bit less we.”  

Piglet goes on to say, “The things that make me different are the things that make me.” – A.A. Milne

Leaving the familiarity of high school and the confidence that comes with routine can be scary. But I challenge you to be “you” – to know that the things that make you different are what make you special. Now is the time to explore and showcase the amazing things that are uniquely you, and then surround yourself with those who celebrate the way you view and experience the world.

Don’t be an Eeyore.

Winnie the Pooh tells Eeyore, “You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” – A.A. Milne

Don’t wait for life to happen. Make a plan, and walk toward your dream. Don’t get stuck in your corner of the forest. Don’t waste time on things that do not serve you – that don’t help you move toward your goal. Don’t harbor a grudge. Don’t blame others for where you are. If you don’t like your situation, take steps to change it. Make it a priority to spend some time doing what you love and working toward your goals every day.

Have Winnie the Pooh moments every day.  

One day Winnie the Pooh and Piglet were walking through the 100 Acre Wood when Pooh asked, “What day is it?”

“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.

“My favorite day,” said Pooh. – A.A. Milne

Live in the moment. Don’t wish your life away. You’ve been saying, “I can’t wait until I’m old enough to ….” your whole life. You’ve likely said, “I can’t wait until graduation,” more times than you could count. But make time to enjoy the moments along the way. Recognize them. Be “in them.” Just stop and be present – experience it with your senses – appreciate the joy or sadness or fear and make it part of you.

Put on the “Big Boots.”

“Christopher Robin was sitting outside his door, putting on his Big Boots. As soon he saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an adventure was going to happen…” – A.A. Milne

Make your life an adventure.