Post by title1parent on Jun 30, 2010 6:33:15 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=390656&src=76
Advice for new college graduates
By Christine Sobek | Daily Herald 6/29/10
This is one of my favorite times of the year.
While the warmer weather and longer days of sunlight are certainly a plus, the brighter futures that await new college graduates are what really make this season special.
Graduation ceremonies are significant, joyous occasions. Seeing the smiles of graduates having accomplished an important step on their journeys to success, families beam with pride. New graduates hold tremendous promise for our community and our future.
During my 30-plus year working career in higher education I have had the opportunity to interact with, advise and share dreams and future aspirations with college students of all ages. Several thoughts from these conversations come to mind as I think of the thousands of 2010 graduates who reside across the Waubonsee Community College District.
Stay positive
With our economy slowly emerging from a recession, I urge new graduates to remain optimistic. The path to success always takes a few unexpected twists and turns; remain focused on your end goal.
There is a long and illustrious list of world-changing thinkers and leaders who faced challenges, only to rise to even greater heights. Thomas Edison experienced early setbacks before becoming a successful, brilliant inventor. Winston Churchill's political career had been deemed all but over - and yet he would go on to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, helping the country overcome its darkest hours during World War II.
From Microsoft's founding in 1975 until 2006, Bill Gates was best known as the entrepreneurial giant of the personal computer revolution. He aggressively broadened the company and vigorously defended its innovation and expansion in multiple arenas. Today, Gates is one of the most generous philanthropists in America, leading a charge to improve the nation's higher education system through the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The common link among these individuals is that they persevered and never strayed from their goals. Perseverance takes strength and commitment, but it can make all the difference in life.
Find balance
As your plans take shape and your goals emerge, you'll soon be on a more defined career path. When you reach that stage, I strongly encourage you to strive to achieve balance in your life.
Having a good job and earning a competitive salary are certainly important. However, even the best job typically does not completely bring fulfillment. Make sure to have other pursuits and interests that instill happiness.
Finding balance is not easy, but it is a common theme I always hear when I talk with students and their families. Give thought and consideration as to how you might blend your family and work life so you have the time and energy to enjoy the richness of both experiences.
Don't stop learning
As students, (and now graduates) you have spent the past years dedicated to learning. Keep going! Stay curious and open to new ideas.
The most vibrant and rewarding lives incorporate lifelong learning. In my role I regularly meet individuals who never stop learning. In fact, during Waubonsee Community College's recent commencement ceremony, our most senior graduate, at 76 years old, clearly demonstrated that acquiring new knowledge and skills is an exciting and fulfilling option at any age.
Be proud
Finally, I want to offer new graduates congratulations. Be proud of all you have accomplished and take time to enjoy this achievement.
In the words of Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel, "Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all of your life. Make the most of fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement."
The future is bright and great things await you. It is now up to you to achieve your hopes and dreams.
Advice for new college graduates
By Christine Sobek | Daily Herald 6/29/10
This is one of my favorite times of the year.
While the warmer weather and longer days of sunlight are certainly a plus, the brighter futures that await new college graduates are what really make this season special.
Graduation ceremonies are significant, joyous occasions. Seeing the smiles of graduates having accomplished an important step on their journeys to success, families beam with pride. New graduates hold tremendous promise for our community and our future.
During my 30-plus year working career in higher education I have had the opportunity to interact with, advise and share dreams and future aspirations with college students of all ages. Several thoughts from these conversations come to mind as I think of the thousands of 2010 graduates who reside across the Waubonsee Community College District.
Stay positive
With our economy slowly emerging from a recession, I urge new graduates to remain optimistic. The path to success always takes a few unexpected twists and turns; remain focused on your end goal.
There is a long and illustrious list of world-changing thinkers and leaders who faced challenges, only to rise to even greater heights. Thomas Edison experienced early setbacks before becoming a successful, brilliant inventor. Winston Churchill's political career had been deemed all but over - and yet he would go on to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, helping the country overcome its darkest hours during World War II.
From Microsoft's founding in 1975 until 2006, Bill Gates was best known as the entrepreneurial giant of the personal computer revolution. He aggressively broadened the company and vigorously defended its innovation and expansion in multiple arenas. Today, Gates is one of the most generous philanthropists in America, leading a charge to improve the nation's higher education system through the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The common link among these individuals is that they persevered and never strayed from their goals. Perseverance takes strength and commitment, but it can make all the difference in life.
Find balance
As your plans take shape and your goals emerge, you'll soon be on a more defined career path. When you reach that stage, I strongly encourage you to strive to achieve balance in your life.
Having a good job and earning a competitive salary are certainly important. However, even the best job typically does not completely bring fulfillment. Make sure to have other pursuits and interests that instill happiness.
Finding balance is not easy, but it is a common theme I always hear when I talk with students and their families. Give thought and consideration as to how you might blend your family and work life so you have the time and energy to enjoy the richness of both experiences.
Don't stop learning
As students, (and now graduates) you have spent the past years dedicated to learning. Keep going! Stay curious and open to new ideas.
The most vibrant and rewarding lives incorporate lifelong learning. In my role I regularly meet individuals who never stop learning. In fact, during Waubonsee Community College's recent commencement ceremony, our most senior graduate, at 76 years old, clearly demonstrated that acquiring new knowledge and skills is an exciting and fulfilling option at any age.
Be proud
Finally, I want to offer new graduates congratulations. Be proud of all you have accomplished and take time to enjoy this achievement.
In the words of Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel, "Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all of your life. Make the most of fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement."
The future is bright and great things await you. It is now up to you to achieve your hopes and dreams.