With all of the recent talk about creating a national exam for high school graduates, and since we're near the graduating season, I thought I'd shock the seniors by giving them an impromptu exit exam.

Sharpen your No. 2 pencils and don't look at your neighbor's exam. Are you ready? Circle the correct answer, and remember that your life depends upon passing (cue "Pomp and Circumstance.")

Question: Which of the following will cost you more during your lifetime?A. A college degree so that you can compete globallyB. Having children and raising them in a nice neighborhoodC. Buying a house due to the subprime mortgage messD. Filling your car with gas

Question: Which of the following is the biggest threat to your life as you know it?A. Voting for the wrong presidential candidateB. Not voting, since a "super delegate" decides the nominee anywayC. Actually reading about the issues and deciding who to vote forD. Basing your vote on whoever lowers the drinking age to 18

Question: A member of Congress is someone who:A. Acts in the best interest of the United States all of the timeB. Will listen to your concerns and gather input before making decisionsC. Is responsible in their personal and professional life, setting an example for all to followD. Can't balance a checkbook, so they raise taxes

Question: If given a choice to improve your community, you would:A. Fight criminals with more police officersB. Improve the education system through increased fundingC. Try to cultivate businesses and growth by lowering taxesD. Put up casinos to pay for everything

Question: The current state of affairs is:A. Challenging, but something the U.S. will respond to in timeB. Near recessionary levels and concerningC. Typical of a society that spends too much and saves too littleD. Affairs? Aren't all politicians involved with various affairs?The answer key is simple. "As" are worth 1 point, "Bs" 2, "Cs" 3 and "Ds" are worth 4. Add up your answers.If you scored less than 10, you think too much and are better off working in the private sector. It's highly likely that you would do well as an operations manager somewhere.If you scored 10 to 15, you are too cynical to work for anyone. Self-employment is your only hope, and I would strongly suggest some type of cash business due to your propensity toward avoiding taxes.If you scored more than 15, however, I am going to suggest that you are a prime candidate to be a politician during your lifetime. This career presents multiple benefits (including great health benefits and the best pension money can buy.) If you fail at politics, consider becoming a lobbyist. They make more money anyway.Congratulations to the graduates of 2008! And while the questions to the final exam will never change, it is within your power to change the answers. I hope and pray that you're prepared to answer these questions — it's our job as a society to ensure you are.

Christian Ola, a community columnist for the Butler Eagle, resides in Mars with his wife, son and daughter and can be reached at christianolac@aol.com.