Dear Seniors,
A few of you asked me to share some survival tips so here I am writing this letter for you.
You’re graduating soon. (or may have graduated already)
Here’s the dealio.
When I was in grade four, I began collecting “advice” from my teachers.
Criticism of me and advice for the future.
I have all this advice stored in bits and pieces.
One of the most cherished possessions of mine: http://flic.kr/p/9pgKfu
So here’s what I have to say to you remembering what was said to me:
Always believe in yourself and the abilities within you.
“…
so, if in you’re in a hurry and rush
you meet someone who is too weary
to give you a smile,
leave one of yours,
for no one needs a smile quite as much
as the one who has none left to give.”
-Author Unknown
Never give up, never give in, don’t be afraid to ask for help, be true to yourself.
All this you know, just never forget it.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
You’ll be successful at whatever you put your mind to.
(make sure you put your mind to something that interests you!)
Never forget where you come from.
“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems,
but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
-Herm Albright
“Time goes fast.
Try NOT to wish your days away.
It is hard at times.
Know that first year at University is difficult.
It’s okay to feel lost + overwhelmed + uncertain + confused.
Maybe you won’t feel this way.”
(I’m glad I had someone warn me, so I’m warning you!)
It’s okay if you don’t know what you’re doing and just have a rough idea.
As long as you’re enjoying yourself and being productive, you’ll be alright.
(Remember, most of you will be working in jobs that don’t exist yet.)
Make the most of it.
Some say these are the best years of your life.
Maybe, maybe not.
Make sure you try and break out of your bubble and meet all sorts of people.
Grades do matter, yes indeed, but you’ll be surprised at the amount of learning that goes on outside the classroom.
When you meet remarkable people, talk, get involved and … have fun.
Also, there are lots of resources available to you!
(I’m just a click away.)
Good luck, chase your dreams and may the force be with you,
A. C.
ps. Also, call home often.
I read somewhere:
“Success is about having a vision. It is about imagination. It is about sensitivity to people who are not as fortunate as you. It is about building inclusion. It is about connectedness to a larger world existence. It is about being a global citizen. It is about touching lives. It is about creating smiles. It is about improving your surrounding. It is about having a dream. It is about your tenacity. It is about perseverance. It is about leaving a foot-print. It is about giving back more to life than you take out of it. It is about creating extra-ordinary success with ordinary lives. Walk the talk.
Each one of you is unique. So, be yourself and be happy!
Note: I wish to remind you your post script [Ps. Also, call home often]. I have a reason for this reminder -” I am your dad”.
I cannot emphasize enough about the “learning happens outside your classroom”. This is terribly important! APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN. Don’t let everything you learn escape you after the exam and don’t stop learning once you’re out of the classroom. University is all learning all the time. It’s incredibly exhilarating.