As we approach The Day, Graduation Day, on Sunday, May 18th, just a few thoughts for the Class of 2014.
Good Luck as you move on to the next phase of your life and begin to chart the course for your future. Your journey will be just that, Your journey. It will contain many things, many emotions, and some twists and turns. It is our hope that some of the things you've experienced by being a part of athletics and activities will help you navigate though some of the life decisions you will make in years to come.
Some of the qualities that we hope were developed, and taught, were personal responsibility for decisions and actions, the value of hard work, and the value of being a part of a team or group and doing your job, or role, the best that you can. Values like that are what people, your future employers are looking for. Yes, education and "book smarts" are very important, but the people skills and integrity with which you live your life are equally, if not more, important, in my opinion.
So, if I were to give you three pieces of advice here's what I'd offer:
1 - Find what you're passionate about and seek to make it your life work. The goal is to not feel like you have to go to work a day in your life. Think about what your strengths are and use them. Chances are it points you to what you're passionate about.
2 - Don't rush. Enjoy the process. You can't have right away what your parents, or other adults, have worked a lifetime to get. This may be in the form of a job, the place you live, and some of the things you are able to have and do. Good things take time. What you've been put here to do may take some time too. Learn from every experience and don't waste the tough ones. They're there to learn from as well.
3 - Treat others how you want to be treated. You know, the Golden Rule. The rule I talked about with Kindergarten classes when I taught elementary P.E. isn't a bad way to live. Whatever you do, wherever you go, put others ahead of yourself. Your family, your friends, your coworkers, even the people that are difficult.
One part of the journey is being completed. Another exciting one awaits. You never arrive, just keep travelling on your journey and making a difference.
Good Luck Class of 2014.
#WildcatPride
