Every year a new batch of eager young adults stand on the threshold of adulthood. With a diploma in one hand and an iPhone in the other, they are prepared to take on the world.

A lot of resources have been invested in preparing you for this moment. You have what it takes to survive in this world, and you have the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. You earned money to go on school trips, performed on the community theater stage, competed in sports, took advanced placement exams, wrote music and produced videos.

You participated in community projects here and abroad. You know about teamwork and fair play.You also have resilience, something that you learned from living in this isolated place. All of your life here, you’ve seen how your community won’t say “no” when the chips are down. Now, here you are, ready to don cap and gown and get that well-deserved diploma. The world poses different challenges for you than it did for us on our graduation day, but you are ready. Your community has faith in you.We asked our readers to offer some words of wisdom as you start this new chapter of your lives. Here is what they had to say.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all need it. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to help someone else.  It is the best feeling you can get.• Be true to yourself and give of yourself.• Work hard and play harder.

• Write a one-year, two-year, five-year and 10-year goal.

• Challenge yourself; don’t be afraid to fail.

• Unless there’s fire and brimstone in the sky, it’s never the end of the world.

• Be forgiving of yourself and don’t put expectations on people around you.

• Help make the world a better place than you find it.• Set your goals high, live your dreams, never settle, and never, ever think you’re not good enough.• Don’t forget to use your ears. Listening is a great learning tool.• Take good care of your body.

• Please remember that your integrity is the measure of your character and without integrity you are just another pretty face.