Looking back on my high school and college graduations, I can see just how important those moments were. I didn’t fully get it at the time, but graduation really is a big deal. It marks the end of one chapter and the start of another.

Right now, a lot of students and families are standing at that same kind of crossroads. With change comes decisions about what to do, where to go, and who to do it with.

At moments like this, one question I’ve always come back to is: What’s my why?

If you’re graduating high school, you might be off to college, starting a job, joining the military, or taking a little time to figure things out. For college grads, maybe you’re starting a career or thinking about grad school. No matter the path, what comes next is shaped by the choices you make now.

Finding your “why” is a big part of building a life you’re proud of. And while that answer looks different for everyone, I’ve found a few guiding principles that have helped me stay focused along the way. I hope they’re useful to you too.

Curiosity

Curiosity might be one of the most underrated strengths you can develop. Be curious about the work you’re doing, the people around you, the world you live in, and even about yourself.

Follow what interests you. Chase it. Learn everything you can. What you’re naturally drawn to and what gets your attention without even trying is often where you’ll do your best work.

Curiosity has led me to open businesses, take risks (like running for office), and keep learning. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow. The same can happen for you. Keep asking questions. Keep learning. Curiosity is a competitive edge, and it’s one that no one else can copy.

Responsibility

Over the past couple of decades, you’ve had a lot of people invest in you, like parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends. They’ve helped shape who you are. And now, you get to carry that forward.

Responsibility isn’t about big, grand gestures. It’s in the small, daily choices. Helping a classmate. Checking in on a friend. Doing the right thing when no one’s watching. These things matter.

And here’s something I believe strongly: there’s no such thing as a “bad job.” What matters is how you show up, so take responsibility for that. Most jobs aren’t glamorous, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have value. Work hard. Take pride in it. You’ll be surprised how far that mindset can take you.

Ownership

No matter where life takes you — running a business, studying, serving in the military, or volunteering — your effort matters. And how you carry yourself matters even more.

Ownership means taking responsibility not just for the work, but for the outcome. It means showing up fully, not halfway. It’s saying, “This is mine, and I’m going to do it right.”

When you go all in, you either succeed or you learn. And both outcomes are valuable. Learn the basics, ask questions, and lean on the wisdom of others. Growth takes time and shows up in your everyday efforts and the challenges you take on.

Tough moments will come, and they’ll help shape you. But when you own the process, you build confidence, strength, and resilience, which will carry you far.

Figuring out your “why” isn’t always simple. It usually doesn’t come all at once. It shows up in the values you choose to live by, in the things you say yes to, and in how you respond when things get hard.

Staying true to yourself isn’t just a one-time decision. It’s something you commit to, every day. And when you stay curious, take responsibility, and own your role in the world, you start to create a life that’s truly yours.

There’s a lot of noise out there. It’s easy to follow the crowd. But the easy road rarely leads to the most meaningful places. If you’re chasing something that matters, expect some setbacks. Expect to be stretched. But keep going. If you’re grounded in your purpose, you’re going the right direction.

Stay curious. Take responsibility. Own your impact. You’ve got what it takes, and I can’t wait to see what you do next.

— Rich Draheim represents District 22 in the Minnesota Senate