Too often, as we grow older we accept the so-called realities of life.

We accept that our life will most likely be a stereotypical one, void of adventure, and that the most we can hope for is a steady job that puts food on the table in the present and provides enough for the future so we do not die in poverty.

If we could travel back in time to tell our six-year-old selves that this is what we grew up to be, those six year olds would pelt us with mud balls, kick us in the shins and administer the deadliest of Indian burns.

What made us better when we were six is the rejection of reality: Of course we could dig a hole to get to China. The only thing that stopped us was getting grounded for digging up the yard. Nothing was impossible, and that is the mindset I urge you to carry forth.

When we were six, I think we were much more aware of our mortality. I know that is why I was away from home sun up to sun down; there was just too much to see and do and not enough time to do it in.

Then as we grow older — older than we are now — our world becomes bigger and it seems like we become overwhelmed with the menial lives we have. No longer do we take excursions to unfamiliar places and see unfamiliar things. No, why do that? We had a long day at work and just want to watch television and fall asleep.

You only have one life, and that life is wasted when you become complacent and lose your sense of adventure.

Which brings me to my next point: Do not sell yourself short on your dreams. After graduation is not a time to settle into a nine-to-five job that pays the bills. Instead, it is the first time in your life that you are fully prepared to go out and risk everything to make whatever dream you have a reality.

Just like your six-year-old self that never could dig all the way to China, you, too, may never accomplish your dreams. However, failure is just a rehearsal for success, and the only real failure is never trying.

The final thing adults accept is that the world will never change. As a six-year-old, I remember playing superheroes with my friends — I was Superman. Back in our fortress in the woods near my house, we all had such great passion and conviction that we could make a difference and change the world for the better.

Never lose track of that idealistic mentality. Even if you are helping one other human being, that is changing the world. The only thing that can stop you is accepting the premise that you cannot.