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

By Morcease J. Beasley EdD

During his last semester as superintendent of a school district in metro Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Morcease Beasley decided to visit all twelve high schools to speak to each senior class. Although the pandemic had clearly interrupted their lives and learning, he knew that life would not give them a pass because of those unique experiences.

Within an inspiring guide based on his talks, Dr. Beasley encourages students to prepare for the future in seven areas by developing intentional actions that result in a purposeful and productive life. While addressing academics, social skills, finances, spiritual health, physical health, political engagement, and relationships, he helps high school seniors and new graduates direct their focus as they enter adulthood and begin building a solid foundation to pursue their dreams. Through his wisdom, students will learn how to achieve academic success, develop sound social habits, improve and manage finances, become secure in spirituality, create a healthy lifestyle, stay politically engaged, and create lasting relationships grounded in love.

Seven Letters to Seniors is a concise guide that leads high school seniors and new graduates into adulthood through an inspiring roadmap that teaches how to build a life of purpose and progress.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385007769

Morcease J. Beasley EdD

Morcease J. Beasley, doctor en Educación (EdD), ha sido educador durante casi treinta años, prestando sus servicios en escuelas y comunidades de Alabama, Texas y Georgia. Motiva e inspira a los jóvenes desde su función de superintendente escolar que valora el papel de la educación para cambiar sus vidas positivamente. El Dr. Beasley fue entrevistado por la CNN y otros medios de comunicación por ser una voz educativa líder durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

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Copyright © 2023 Morcease J. Beasley, EdD

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and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Cover Design Credit

Damon R. Irving, CEO & Founder,

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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