At springtime, my attention turns to seniors. No, not old people this time, but rather the young men and women who have been graduating from our colleges.

I imagine having been asked to speak at one of the many graduation ceremonies. In my fantasy, I stand before thousands of students, offering some of my insights.

This will never happen but I can seize a columnist’s prerogative to share a few of the values that seem to me worth honoring. They emerge from late life reflection on what is truly important.

In this imaginary setting, let me here list a baker’s dozen of these values, each with a brief rationale for its particular advantages.

* Cultivate members of your parental family. Though you may consider this the time for getting away from your folks, staying in touch with them and your siblings will prove a fine investment for you and for them.

* Build friendships. Many people have found that developing good friends has been one of the most important features of their college years. Having majored in friendships can prove one of college’s best bets. Continuing these contacts will enrich your life.

* Plan a career rather than a series of jobs. Given the current world of work, this may prove hard. More likely, you may have to enter upon several careers rather than a single one. However, each of you has a special core of skills. Continue to develop them.

* Build a spiritual life. Discovering such practices as meditation, contemplation, community worship, and inner silence can give a richness to your years. When exercised with others, these practices can prove even more valuable.

* Learn life-long access to a college or university, and not only on line. You may not live near where your college is located. But you can benefit from other academic institutions in your area. It is a proven way of feeding your intellectual life.

* Find pleasure in reading and writing. This century will provide unprecedented resources for reading. Find the best ones, and use them. Subscribing to a favorite magazine can also stir your intellectual life.

* Volunteer to help the poor and needy. Reaching out to others is a proven way of providing satisfaction for your own life. And it can speak to one of our country’s greatest needs – reducing the gap between social classes.

* Practice physical exercise and sports. Scientists now believe in exercise as the best way of assuring the health of your brain. They also see bodily activity as an enhancer of longevity.

* Enjoy the arts – music, film, theater, painting, dance, and literature among others. They can bring pleasure to life at every stage. They keep reminding us of the beauty held by this world and human beings.

* Get involved in political and community action. The quality of our leadership gives great cause for concern. To change things for the better requires getting involved. Working for the wellbeing of your own locality can lead to more satisfying living.

* Take care of the earth and its animals. As recent climate changes show, our earth needs tending. So does the alarming loss of certain species. Be a friend and steward of our planet.

* Take an interest in other countries. You may have already benefited from study abroad. You can profit further by traveling or, at least, following what people in other places are doing.

* Prepare for the long haul. Most Americans are living much longer than they used to. You will most likely also live long. Recognize this extension of years for the opportunities it can bring.