Ok. So here we are.
This is truly a momentous occasion.
It's been a long, hard slog and I am sure you are really happy to be at the end.
I don't know what I was thinking a long time ago when I graduated, but I have been asked
to think about words to say to you that would be helpful.
And just look straight into the camera?
So what is my advice to the class of 2012?
See, I am always skeptical about unsolicited advice I get from people. I just don't trust
it sometimes.
Me and Dr. Robot would like to give you some advice. Right, Dr. Robot?
But in my case, you should really accept what I've go to say to ya.
I am going to try and pick some of my favorites.
To the class of 2012, some of the best advice I could give you is to keep on playing. Go
back home. Go to your bedroom and go to the toy box and dig out some of the old toys that
you used to play with. It helps to slow down a little bit and remember what you valued
when you were growing up.
I would suggest that you approach life and your future as you would a T-Anthony's pizza.
Devour it all and enjoy ever single morsel of it.
Work hard. Work really, really hard.
Really nourish your sense of humor.
Sometimes when it's important, risk everything.
Trust what happens in your gut.
Also, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
You all have so much knowledge accrued. A great deal of knowledge. Probably as much
or more than many other people you will ever meet. But what you don't yet have is wisdom.
Wait awhile. Live awhile. It'll come.
Maybe take a moment to not text, but to go visit someone and see what you read on their
faces.
One thing I would do If I were you, I would travel. Travel as much as you can.
Traveling is a real humbling experience. It's important.
You end up doing things you didn't think you would be able to do, figuring out how to get
out of sticky situations.
I mean, It's a big, beautiful world, and it's there for you to explore.
The career that I chose, was as a professional basketball player. But the career that chose
me was as a clinical psychologist. As you choose your career, just make sure that you
leave room for life to happen.
I would say the first job you are going to have after college may be the least important.
Don't be discouraged by the current job market. Things are picking up.
Get a professional ring tone. You don't want "Moves like Jagger" going off in a boardroom.
Business cards. Really important. Always give out two business cards.
And everyone is going to say "follow your passion, follow your passion."
Do I say that? Does everyone say that?
Follow your passion.
Because when you do something you have a passion for, chances are you are going to be really
good at it.
Which is great. And I would add a bit more nuance to that.
You are graduating into a world that is pretty broken, and you with your rich education can
get the skills that you need in order to fix it. Make a life of meaning, and that's how
you'll find your passion.
Don't worry about saving the world, folks. Don't worry about changing the world. Just
be good to yourself and make those little changes in your life that will make you happy.
Take time for yourself.
Remember to enjoy the journey.
The most important thing that I have learned over my life is how important it is to have
balance, and to have interests outside of what you do for a living.
Stay in touch.
Keep in touch with your friends, your classmates, and professors.
And then come back and visit with us every once in a while. We are going to miss ya.
We love you!
On a personal note, as a mother of a graduating senior, I would like to add: "Call your mother!"
And I just want to be sure to congratulate you!
Congratulations to the class of 2012.
It has been such a privilege to be your professor.
I hope that joy walks beside you, that beauty will surround you, and that kindness will
always guide you.
I wish you all a wonderful life.
So go for it!