GREAT PLACES
As it is mid-May, there have been many both high school and college graduations since late April and will continue through the beginning of June. If YOU are one of those graduates walking across the stage (actual or virtual), we wish you the best in celebrating your academic accomplishments.
With graduations abound, I am reminded of the book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. If you are not familiar with the book, the quote below pretty much says it all.
Graduation or more appropriately termed, Commencement is the start of your career and life.
“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Thus, you are at the base of your mountain. What path will you take as you navigate your career / life? What obstacles will you face along the way? On the same token, what accomplishments will you have?
Having graduated nearly 40 years ago, I would have never imagined the career / life I have led since graduation from my undergraduate degree. Ironically, my career took a completely different path than the subject of my degree – architecture.
As you are about to embark on this amazing journey, may I suggest you consider the following – a slightly modified list from the muse: Advice for New Grads
- Remember these four words – Be positive, principled, pro-active, and productive
- Discover Yourself
- Be Open to Change
- Do Not hide from your Mistakes
- Keep moving Forward
- Learn from Everything
- Make Connections
- Be Patient
- Treat everyone with Respect
- Prepare for the Future
While I did not have the advantage of such a list when I graduated so many years ago, I can certainly attest to their effectiveness. Especially being pro-active and making connections; if you want something from your career / life, do not be afraid to go for it. When you do, be sure to connect with colleagues and associates for support and assistance – just as with your degree, you will NOT succeed without the help of others.
Returning to Seuss, read the final words of the book and truly ask yourself – what will you do to succeed?
“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact.
And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed?
Seuss, Oh, the Places You‘ll Go!