Advice for seniors
By: Donna Moullette
Issue date: 5/20/09 Section: Opinion
OK, I admit it. I was tempted to write a graduation speech, but I found the request for submissions rather cliche and cute. I gather that GPAs automatically make a person qualified to be a great writer and speaker. But what I've found over my life course is grades don't necessarily make the person, and even "C" students have meaningful things to say.
Consequently, my "A" speech was absent from consideration. However, I don't want to miss this final opportunity to leave graduates of CSU Stanislaus with some advice. Here is my Top 10 for the Class of 2009.
10. YOU ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS YOUR WEAKEST LINK.and it's up to you to make that link stronger. I coached competitive soccer for many years and this was a mainstay in my repertoire. Each season proved to be uniquely challenging, yet the payoffs were big when the strongest players recognized that the weakest players could perform miracles when encouraged and respected. It is important for each person to play a key role in any group dynamic. You'll be surprised at the transformation of the group and the personal rewards from building trust and camaraderie.
9. IF YOU WANT LOYALTY, GET A DOG. I've heard this a great deal lately in political circles because there's some truth to it. After 16 years on the job, my profession was hit hard by economic times. Nobody's position was exempt from extinction and it wasn't personal. If you expect loyalty from a company or organization, you might be disappointed. Be true to yourself and the others around you. The rest will fall into place.
8. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE. While we often hear this isn't the case in academia, can you imagine the world today if it wasn't true? Shaquille O'Neal was told as a youngster he was too big and clumsy to play basketball and should be a soccer goalie instead. If someone else hadn't come along and recognized Shaq was an exception, well, enough said. Don't hide behind the rule - be the exception.
7. WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOESN'T NECESSARILY STAY THERE. The first company picnic I attended many years ago served free beer and wine. One of my co-workers was feeling the "truth serum" and began freely sharing her opinions about the work environment with the vice president. Come Monday morning she was hauled into the chief executive's office. It isn't rocket science. Be careful when you are out in public, especially on Facebook and MySpace. It could come back to haunt you.
Consequently, my "A" speech was absent from consideration. However, I don't want to miss this final opportunity to leave graduates of CSU Stanislaus with some advice. Here is my Top 10 for the Class of 2009.
10. YOU ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS YOUR WEAKEST LINK.and it's up to you to make that link stronger. I coached competitive soccer for many years and this was a mainstay in my repertoire. Each season proved to be uniquely challenging, yet the payoffs were big when the strongest players recognized that the weakest players could perform miracles when encouraged and respected. It is important for each person to play a key role in any group dynamic. You'll be surprised at the transformation of the group and the personal rewards from building trust and camaraderie.
9. IF YOU WANT LOYALTY, GET A DOG. I've heard this a great deal lately in political circles because there's some truth to it. After 16 years on the job, my profession was hit hard by economic times. Nobody's position was exempt from extinction and it wasn't personal. If you expect loyalty from a company or organization, you might be disappointed. Be true to yourself and the others around you. The rest will fall into place.
8. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE. While we often hear this isn't the case in academia, can you imagine the world today if it wasn't true? Shaquille O'Neal was told as a youngster he was too big and clumsy to play basketball and should be a soccer goalie instead. If someone else hadn't come along and recognized Shaq was an exception, well, enough said. Don't hide behind the rule - be the exception.
7. WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOESN'T NECESSARILY STAY THERE. The first company picnic I attended many years ago served free beer and wine. One of my co-workers was feeling the "truth serum" and began freely sharing her opinions about the work environment with the vice president. Come Monday morning she was hauled into the chief executive's office. It isn't rocket science. Be careful when you are out in public, especially on Facebook and MySpace. It could come back to haunt you.
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