I promise that I won’t write too long this time. I didn’t have to place a hand on a bible and swear an oath, but I like to keep my word on things.

Plus, today’s issue has a special guest in Bill Shea, my colleague in Fort Dodge. With Bill’s column addressing graduation (he’s below), I wanted to weigh on this weekend’s commencement ceremonies, too.

But what I always think about is what the future holds for our talented young people who will leave the halls of Webster City High School and South Hamilton High School for either jobs, community colleges or prestigious universities.

Once you walk across the stage, receive the diploma, jump around the circuit of graduation parties and have your own, you’ve entered the next stage of life.

Being there at one time myself, I’m here for some quick tips and tricks. You don’t have to abide by all of these, but they are nice to have in your back pocket.

Here we go.

First of all, take a breath. You don’t have to jump into a job right away, unless your parents decide to kick you out of the house. These days, that happens less and less.

Let yourself sleep in, get recharged and enjoy life while you’re young. Don’t be too reckless about it, but you have the rest of your life to be an adult — which is kind of overrated.

Enjoy that baseball practice, or go out and cheer for your friends at the softball game. Grab some friends and take a day trip somewhere.

There’s only so many years left to be “a kid.” Revel in it a little while longer.

Give it a couple of weeks, or enjoy your last summer of freedom. It’ll lead into my next tip.

Second, if you’re unsure about where you want to go to college or what you want to do when you’re in college — pick up a job.

To those who have raked in all of the scholarships and know what you want to do right off of the bat, you’re awesome. But this piece of advice is for those who are middle of the road students or for those who merely survived the high school experience.

With a job, regardless of its part-time or full-time, gives you structure and allows you time to figure things out. Also, it puts money into your pocket and keeps you from getting the stink eye from your parents or guardians.

I don’t know if it still applies, but if your parents are like oil and water — particularly on the topic of FAFSA — you can’t file for your own financial aid until you’re 24, especially if you take care of your own taxes.

When it comes to selecting a college or university, don’t feel limited to just the big schools. Places like Iowa Central and DMACC are great launching pads for other colleges and fantastic places to acquire an associate’s degree and jump into the workforce.

Sometimes, a smaller school (I went to West Texas A&M University — which was only 10,000 students when I went, now it’s around 15,000 students) is the way to go.

As much as there’s plenty of love for Iowa State University, the University of Iowa or the University of Northern Iowa, don’t rule out options like Northwest Missouri State (where my cousin went), University of Nebraska-Omaha, Truman State or even my alma mater in Canyon, Texas. These schools also have that collegiate feel, just on a smaller scale.

When you step onto campus, have a purpose. Know what you’re getting into, and make sure it’s a passion of yours.

Moderate the partying and social gatherings, and treat your classes, study time and cramming like it’s your job. Even with scholarships and financial aid, you’re still paying this institution and the powers that be.

Too much partying, and you become Van Wilder or you drop out. Too much studying, and you miss out on the social side of college experience.

A healthy balance is key.

Here’s another point to make. If you went in for education and quickly realize that teaching ain’t exactly your style, change that major immediately. Colleges have resources and specialists who can help you switch gears into another major, and you’re paying for them, anyways.

Then, hit the ground running. Ace the easy classes, and if a class is too difficult, drop it immediately. Colleges often give you a deadline to drop a class.

There are alternate routes to take to acquire that ever so wonderful bachelor’s degree.

When you get to your more specialized classes, give them everything you got. Put together those study groups, engage yourself in that group project and express that desire to succeed.

Before I forget, take advantage of the immense amount of resources that the college has to offer. They want you to succeed, just as much as your parents, grandparents, friends and your dog.

It’s okay to make new friends and even more awesome to create networks. Some of my best friends today are from college, and they make every effort to stay in touch.

There was a great saying from when I was on campus, “when you’re not networking, you’re not working.” I firmly believe in that statement.

To get that dream job, you don’t only want to acquire the knowledge and know somebody. You want that somebody to speak up for you.

Great piece of advice from Diamond Dallas Page, of all people.

One final set of words of wisdom. Experience the world and eventually, come home. Go to different places for your career, travel around and see some cool stuff.

You’ll enjoy it more in your youth than you’ll ever know.

About the literal “homecoming” part. Places like Webster City, Stanhope, Jewell, Stratford and many other communities, need you more than you need them. Should you decide to eventually return, use your knowledge, experiences and connections to make the communities you grew up in better places to live, work and play.

Admittedly, it takes a little bit of work, but it pays dividends on an immense scale. Previous generations will thank you in spirit, current generations will thank you in person and future generations will thank you after you’ve passed on.

With this all in mind, the world is your oyster.

Now, go forth and conquer, graduates. The future lies in your hands.