It’s that time of year when people who live in small towns across the country celebrate and mourn at the same time. We celebrate our high school seniors reaching a milestone of adulthood as they graduate and move on to that next phase of their lives. We mourn the fact that many may be gone for good, with little chance of returning.

What if, instead of sending them off as we do now, we did things differently? What if we:

• Changed the conversation with our sons and daughters, and let them know early on, “we want you to get an education, see the world, and then come back.”
• Assured them that when they return we’ll have opportunities waiting in small business, small farms and ranches, and made sure we did.
• Welcomed them back and saw them as a success instead of asking “why in the world did you come back here?”
• Recognized them as adults and a valued part of the community instead of that little kid we remember them as.
• Paid attention – real, serious attention – to our youth who do not leave to pursue higher education and supported their development and growth.

If we look at all of these “what ifs” and begin to dream a bit, we could start to see graduation day as a total celebration, knowing we’re doing all we can to ensure that some of those young folks will be back, raising families and making our communities stronger.

Contact: Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.438.8496.