Graduation season is upon us so we asked you, our readers, to share advice + well wishes for local grads. Congratulations to all of the college graduates in the Triangle — we hope the following words of wisdom help guide you into your next chapter of life. 🎉

“Use the years of your youthful adulthood to explore your interests + to discover what you love and what you are good at. ‘Do what you love and the money will follow.’” – Barbara P.

“Never give up on your dreams. Just keep moving forward. You are the future + we need your energy and enthusiasm. Get informed and involved. We are counting on you and we know you can succeed.” – Linda R.

“Make wise decisions and laugh a lot! Enjoy it; life is short.” – Willa S.

“Travel as much as possible. Despite growing older, try to keep a youthful mindset and you'll never feel old. Don't take life too seriously and don't sweat the small stuff, it's just not worth it — instead, focus on moving forward.” – Travis S.

“From the time you start working, pretend like you do not make 10% of your income and put that in a retirement plan that you do not touch until retirement.” – Darla B.

“Contrary to popular belief, high school and college don’t have to be the best years of your life!” – @markperkes

“Act on your dreams.” – @placescreated

“Keep learning how to learn. Be a person of character. Learn how to ask great questions. Listen first. Laugh as much as you possibly can — especially at yourself. Serve others.” – Dr. Brian Ralph, President of William Peace University

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Image one is courtesy of @renee.moni. Image two is by Chris Theodore. Image three is by Gabrielle Strickland.