Seven Letters to Seniors: How to Build a Life of Purpose and Progress

Copyright © 2023 Morcease J. Beasley, EdD

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Scripture quotations marked MEV are taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright

© 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0774-5 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0775-2 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0776-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023917739

WestBow Press rev. date:  10/04/2023

To high school seniors

and graduates everywhere. Welcome

to adulthood. Let the journey begin. It will be wonderful.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

Letter 1     Academics

Letter 2     Social Skills

Letter 3     Finances

Letter 4     Spiritual Health

Letter 5     Physical Health

Letter 6     Political Engagement

Letter 7     Relationships

Closing Words of Encouragement

APPENDICES

Appendix 1     Average Income by Educational Level

Appendix 2     QR Code for Occupational Outlook Handbook

Appendix 3     Sample Budget

Appendix 4     Comparison of Select Data by Race

Appendix 5     National Domestic Violence Hotline

Appendix 6     Recommended Reading and Listening List

Resources

About the Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I smile at the thought of my best friend and wife, Lavern. Her wisdom, understanding, and loving-kindness adorn my life in every way. Her consistent support and encouragement make the difference.

I owe special gratitude to Lilka Raphael for her encouragement to make this project available to graduates everywhere, although it was intended for one school district. Her feedback and editorial support have been invaluable.

I am thankful for K–12 students who have been a part of my purpose for service as a public school educator. They are the reason for this book.

Thank you to my consultant Mari and WestBow Press for making this project a reality.

PREFACE

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as an educator for almost thirty years. In my roles as high school mathematics teacher, administrator, senior executive, and superintendent, I have had the privilege of making decisions to deposit into the lives of young people. To contribute to the lives of students as they learn, mature into young adults, and graduate from high school is very sacred to me.

During my last semester as superintendent of a school district in metro Atlanta, Georgia, I decided to visit all twelve high schools to speak to each senior class. I felt compelled knowing that the pandemic had interrupted their lives and learning. I