Now apply the learning

"... and the graduate is thereby granted this diploma and is entitled to all the rights and privileges which pertain thereto."

That phrase, or something pretty close, will be printed on diplomas awarded to high school as well as college graduates throughout the month. And, to each recipient, we offer our congratulations on your achievement.

Whether it's a high school diploma or a college Ph.D., the completion of years of work is a significant milestone. Graduates deserve to take a few moments to bask in the accomplishment.

But, then what? What exactly are the "rights and privileges which pertain thereto" for receiving that long-sought piece of parchment?

Well, for one you can now call yourself a graduate. That really is a big deal, and something nobody can ever take away. Louisiana high school students who graduated with a C average or better receive free admission to the Audubon Zoo and a museum in New Orleans for the coming year.

But apart from that, realistically, the rights and privileges earned are simply the opportunity to apply what you have learned and keep moving. There is no guarantee of a job or acceptance to college. It can boost your standing, but mere possession of a diploma doesn't ensure acceptance or success.

Many students see getting their diploma as the end of the journey. And, in many ways they are right. But the reality is when that journey ends, another one begins. Whether that next path is to another school for more education or on to the workplace will vary. Some may start down one path only to switch to the other.

Learning is a lifetime activity, not something that ends after high school or college.

Advances in technology have streamlined — or eliminated — many jobs. To be successful, future employees must be able to be critical thinkers. Jim Henderson, president at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, explained that in the past, a manufacturing worker had to know to push a button to complete the assigned task.

Today's worker not only needs to know to push the button, Henderson said, but employers working with smaller workforces expect the employee to be able to react properly when pushing the button doesn't work as it should. The worker is expected to understand a greater portion of the production process, how their role integrates in that process, and develop ways to improve or correct the process.

Yes, that's asking a lot. But it's where the bar has been raised for tomorrow's workers — and if history is right, it'll keep getting higher.

So, grads, congratulations on your achievement. It's not a free pass, but it's a solid foundation to build upon. You've earned the right and privilege to work for a better tomorrow.

How valuable that ends up being is up to you.

The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star's editorial board, composed of General Manager and Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Engagement and Community Content Editor Hope Young, Watchdog and Storytelling Coach Mark Henderson and Business and Politics Reporter Greg Hilburn.