Graduation

With summer comes new chapters in the lives of many.  High school seniors are saying goodbye to those they have shared hall ways with for years.  College graduates are preparing themselves for the 'real world'. And parents return home from work to an empty nest.  No matter which one you ask, they will all proclaim it's the most challenging and drastic change one is forced to overcome.  Excitement and uncertainty of what is to come constantly remind you that time doesn't slow down for anyone.

The first wave of graduation commencements took place over the weekend.  Graduation is an important time for all of us.  It is the annual changing of the guard between teacher and student. I'd like to congratulate those who received their degrees while also lending all of you a piece of mind (from my book, Young and Hungry; A College Degree is Expensive Cooking Spray).

"If you are fresh out of high school, embrace the next few years of your life…

     Whether you decide to spend the next four years in a classroom or take your first step on the corporate ladder, do it with confidence.  Appreciate the journey you have begun, as you will find yourself with tunnel vision and you will lose focus of the big picture.  Remember who you are when you arrive and embrace the person you will be when you depart.  There will be life lessons on either path, but it is what you learn from them that will truly make the difference. 

     You are now free to make your own decisions, but understand those decisions come with consequences.  You will be hurt and you will hurt others, but remember forgiveness is never a better quality than loyalty.  You will be tested by many and embraced by few.  It is now your responsibility to truly find what you want out of life.  Whether it is a career, friendship, companionship, a family, or a lifetime filled with memories, understand what makes you happy and go for it.  Hear the voices of others but listen to your own.  The world is yours as you have been handed a notebook to begin writing your own story.  You will run out of ink but not pages.  Understand your self-worth even though you will constantly be forced to remind others.  

If you are fresh out of college, pick up that microphone…

     Whether you are certain you made the right decision four years ago or not, it is your turn to shine. 

You now have the tools to live the life you once dreamt of.  Don’t allow the pressure of the real world to blur your vision of the picture you have painted.  Decisions must be made to put food on the table and a roof over your head, but don’t forget the food you desire most or the square footage of your dream home.  Society expects you to make a safe decision and to be fortunate for the opportunity to have a job.  Again, you have a choice to make.  You can kindly shake the man’s hand and work your way up the corporate ladder or you can say no thanks and do things your way. 

     Either way, be proud of your decision and work with confidence.  Never regret a decision because you can always make another.  Read the story you wrote throughout college to remember exactly what your heart desires.  As we continue to age, we tend to make more decisions with our brain than our heart.  If you don’t love what you do, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. 

     People have come and gone but you will always remember and understand their influences in your life.  Don’t let their recent absence replace their past presence.  Stay humble and let others talk about the great things you are achieving. If you are doing better than the person next to you, there is always something you can do to help their situation.  Karma is a mother and you will never know when the roles will be reversed.  Remember the big picture and understand there is more to give in this world than there is to receive.  Bust your ass to be admired not to be envied.  It takes longer to reach the top than it does to hit rock bottom. 

If you are older than Generation Y…

     Try to understand that in a matter of time we will be this country's new leaders.  Help us along the way.  Encourage us to reach out full potential without judging our character and morals.  If not, we will simply bust our ass even more to put ourselves in the best position to succeed.  By no means do we need your approval, but it sure would be nice."


Congrats to all and I hope everyone who attends a graduation ceremony enjoys themselves.  It is a special moment.  Graduates, I hope you do your part to spread the word and share these words with your peers! Be excited for the next chapter in life!