It may sound cliché, but sometimes the shortest walk actually turns into the biggest step.

So it was — or will be — for the hundreds of high school and college graduates across Michigan, Indiana and the entire country who have taken — or will soon take — that quick march across the stage as they plunge headlong into the next chapter of their lives.

Now is the time of year when you hear a lot about who is going to give commencement speeches and the controversy that often pops up around them (look no farther than Rutgers University, which actually sparked two controversies in one week while trying to determine who will deliver the words of encouragement for these young men and women entering the real world).

Although these distinct sets of graduates each face different challenges, they are very similar in many ways.

High school graduates are trying to plot the course for their careers and the rest of their lives. College students are doing the same but often feel the clock ticking a little more loudly. As is always the case in life, neither have a perfect roadmap of the future.

With the ongoing struggles our nation’s economy faces, some cynics have said a college education may not be as important as it once was.

And if you believe that I have some great swampland in Florida I’d love to sell you.

The argument is as shallow as the individuals saying it.

Regardless of whether you are just entering post-secondary education or walking away with a degree, college or technical school remains the best avenue for positioning yourself for success.

Of course there are no guarantees, but the lessons learned go far beyond those garnered in the classroom. The independence, confidence and all-around life skills gained in these settings are absolutely invaluable.

If I was going to give a commencement speech to either set of graduates it probably wouldn’t be all that original, but it would be pretty simple:

Shoot for the stars — but understand that your proverbial rocket ship must be built with hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Nothing is wrong with dreaming big. In fact, you shouldn’t have any other kind. But these should come with the maturity and realization that they only become reality if an individual is willing to do what it takes to make it happen.

So, congratulations and good luck Class of 2014! Your journey is truly just beginning.

 Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.