Why Your Kid Doesn’t Need to Have It All Figured Out (Yet)

Hey there!

This past week has been a whirlwind—one of those where you blink and suddenly it’s Sunday night and you're wondering where all the time went. It was a bit of an unusual week, too, in the best kind of way. We headed up to High Point for a special occasion: Noah’s longtime girlfriend, Carly, graduated with her master’s degree. Honestly, it was really impressive—not just the fact that she graduated, but that she did it in just one year, and in a rigorous program no less: a Master of Biomedical Studies.

I have to admit, when I first heard the name of the degree, I had no clue what that entailed. So, naturally, I did a bit of reading, and then asked her all about it when we were together. From what I gathered, her program focused heavily on genetics and involved working with some high-end medical technology. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize just how far science and research have come. Carly was telling me that in her new lab position—she’s already secured a job, by the way—they’ll train her to use six different specialized machines, and each one takes about two months to learn. That's a full year just getting trained before you're really turned loose to work independently. That’s wild. And awesome.

We started talking about how her new lab compares to the university’s equipment. High Point University invests a lot in staying up-to-date with technology, so I’m genuinely curious whether the lab will be even more advanced or if it'll actually feel like a step back in terms of tools and capabilities. Either way, I’m sure she’ll thrive. She’s sharp and driven, and we’re all really proud of her. Graduations always make me feel a bit sentimental. It’s not just a celebration of what someone’s done—it’s a moment that opens the door to what’s next. And when it’s someone you know and care about, it just hits differently.

The ceremony itself was great. Since it was for master’s programs only, it felt more intimate than the big undergrad productions. All the different grad programs were represented, and it was meaningful to see each student walk across the stage and grab that diploma. We cheered loudly when Carly’s name was called—it felt like a real victory lap after an intense year of work. Finishing a master’s program in one of the hard sciences, especially in a condensed time frame, is no joke.

We also got to spend some time with Carly’s family while we were in town, which was really nice. We had dinner together, swapped stories, laughed a lot—it was one of those relaxed, easy evenings that reminds you how valuable these extended family connections can be. And of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Noah and Carly’s place without checking in on their cats, Ivy and JJ. Ivy is one of those cats who wants to be near you but not too near. She’ll sit beside you on the couch but doesn’t really want to be in your lap or get too many pets. It’s like she wants your company, just on her terms. She’s got a lot of personality for such a small creature.

On the way home from High Point, we brought Sam with us—and his dog, Luna. Luna’s been working on getting to know our dog, Ted. It’s been a slow introduction. Ted is older and isn’t super into the idea of a playmate, but Luna is persistent. She keeps trying to engage, and she’s gradually getting closer to him. The last few days, they’ve been napping in the same room, and Luna has even managed to snuggle up next to him a couple times. I have a feeling Ted's going to cave soon and start playing with her, even if reluctantly. Watching them figure each other out has been a fun little side show at home.

Holly and I also made our annual trip to the Georgia Renaissance Festival this week. It’s become a tradition for us—one we always look forward to. We try to go at least once each year, whether in the spring or fall. It’s the perfect combination of nostalgia, people-watching, and quirky entertainment. From the food (giant turkey legs, of course) to the costumes and performances, there’s something magical about stepping into that world, even just for a day. We always come away smiling.

Back at work, I’ve been diving deeper into AI—specifically tools like ChatGPT and related platforms. It’s something we’re studying more seriously at the firm now. There’s a lot of buzz about it and for good reason—it’s going to change a lot of industries, including legal. That said, I’ve looked at some of the AI avatar programs and, frankly, they’re just not there yet. I wouldn’t trust them to put out content or engage with clients in a meaningful way. For now, all of my content is still created and delivered by me—live and human. But I’m open to learning. So if you’ve seen any standout AI platforms or tools, send them my way at info@shanesmithlaw.com. We’re actively researching and evaluating, and I’d love to know what’s caught your attention.

One conversation this week that stood out to me came from catching up with an old friend from Army ROTC. I’ve known this guy since 1997, and he called me out of the blue to say he ran into another one of our old ROTC buddies who’s still in the reserves—and now working as a dentist for the VA. That kind of thing always stops me in my tracks. If you’d told me back in college that guy was going to be a dentist, I would’ve laughed. He didn’t seem remotely interested in that field back then. But here he is, years later, helping veterans with their dental care. Life is unpredictable like that.

It reminded me of my own path. I started out pre-med, thinking I wanted to be a psychiatrist or psychologist. Somewhere along the way, I shifted into criminal justice, then pre-law, and eventually found myself in law school. So when I hear someone stressing about their middle schooler not knowing what they want to be, I always tell them: don’t sweat it. It’s supposed to change. Most people’s plans shift over time. That’s why we allow undeclared majors and the flexibility to pivot. Unlike some countries where one test in middle school locks you into a career path, we get to explore and redefine ourselves as we grow. That’s a privilege—and a gift.

And how could I forget—the Kentucky Derby was this weekend! Holly and I love Derby Day. I think it goes back to one of the first post-law school parties I went to while stationed at Fort Campbell. A buddy threw a full-blown Derby Day celebration—mint juleps, seersucker suits, the works. It made an impression. Holly has always loved horses, so a few years back we made the trip to see the Derby live and in person. It was unforgettable. So now we make a point to celebrate it each year.

This year, there was supposed to be a local Derby Day celebration at Drake Field in Peachtree City, but unfortunately, it got rained out. Sam and Holly ended up going to a nearby restaurant that was still hosting a scaled-down version of the event. It wasn’t huge, but it was festive, and we had a great time. We even got dressed up, because why not? Sometimes the little traditions bring the most joy.

So yeah, that was my week. A mix of celebration, nostalgia, pets figuring each other out, and a bit of future-gazing with AI. If you’ve got any good recommendations—especially when it comes to AI tools—or just want to swap stories, shoot me a message. I’d love to hear what’s new in your world too.

And as always—if you’re in pain, call Shane!