Unsolicited advice for graduates
Published on Tue, Jun 8, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Voices
June is graduation month, as thousands of local high schoolers and college students prepare to leave the cocoon of educational pursuits for life in the real world. As they don caps and gowns and sit in tidy rows in auditoriums and stadiums, these young people will hear messages of hope and opportunity from commencement speakers.
If I could add my voice to those offering sage graduation advice, my advice would be simple. Pay attention.
Pay attention to the world around you, outside your own youthful self-interest and daily drama, because it matters. In fact, an awareness of worldwide issues is in your own best interest, because those events in far-off lands have a way of migrating to our shores too.
With our diverse population, America-and the Pacific Northwest-is home to millions with familial ties to South Korea and Iran and Somalia. The suffering felt in those countries send shock waves into our own neighborhoods.
Pay attention to politics, even though it's not always enjoyable, because it's important. Those "idiots" in D.C. were sent there by voters-that's you and me-so we have to take responsibility for their actions too. Work to make sure those who best represent your ideals will have the opportunity to do so, and work just as hard to "throw the bums out" if they're not doing the job.
Pay attention to your community, and find a way to make your mark locally. Community service organizations and non-profits contribute so much to the people right in our own backyard. Pitch in to help, even though you won't get paid-at least not in greenbacks. Think of it as an opportunity to sweeten your resumé.
And lastly, pay attention to your family. If you're like most graduates, the educational opportunities that have been provided to you are the result of your parents' personal sacrifices. And those sacrifices go far beyond simply writing checks. Think of all the soccer games, piano lessons, band camps, FBLA conferences, Homecoming dances and sorority rushes. If your parents stood behind you so you could confidently walk in the world, let them know that you noticed.
Don't let life shape you. Pay attention, be proactive and shape your own life.
If I could add my voice to those offering sage graduation advice, my advice would be simple. Pay attention.
Pay attention to the world around you, outside your own youthful self-interest and daily drama, because it matters. In fact, an awareness of worldwide issues is in your own best interest, because those events in far-off lands have a way of migrating to our shores too.
With our diverse population, America-and the Pacific Northwest-is home to millions with familial ties to South Korea and Iran and Somalia. The suffering felt in those countries send shock waves into our own neighborhoods.
Pay attention to politics, even though it's not always enjoyable, because it's important. Those "idiots" in D.C. were sent there by voters-that's you and me-so we have to take responsibility for their actions too. Work to make sure those who best represent your ideals will have the opportunity to do so, and work just as hard to "throw the bums out" if they're not doing the job.
Pay attention to your community, and find a way to make your mark locally. Community service organizations and non-profits contribute so much to the people right in our own backyard. Pitch in to help, even though you won't get paid-at least not in greenbacks. Think of it as an opportunity to sweeten your resumé.
And lastly, pay attention to your family. If you're like most graduates, the educational opportunities that have been provided to you are the result of your parents' personal sacrifices. And those sacrifices go far beyond simply writing checks. Think of all the soccer games, piano lessons, band camps, FBLA conferences, Homecoming dances and sorority rushes. If your parents stood behind you so you could confidently walk in the world, let them know that you noticed.
Don't let life shape you. Pay attention, be proactive and shape your own life.
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