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A Word to Graduates
Be prepared for the best and worst in life. Life is filled with highs and lows, twist and turns. There are few guarantees in life. The benefit of good deeds and hard work is sometimes reaped years later.
Success comes easy for some and is a struggle for others. If success is achieved remain humble and gracious for one criminal act, a major loss of employment or a serious illness can blur the benefits of success.
Life is about relationships, negative relationships leads to sadness and positive relationships leads to happiness and success, Share your life with others, value personal relationships more than material possessions.
Listen to sound advice, exceptional character and a good name is more precious than material wealth. Avoid criminal activity; don't be deceived by sweet empty words which can lead to a broken heart, death and destruction. Think before you speak, intelligence is gauged by reflective thought.
Take care of yourself eat healthy foods, drink nutritious drinks, stay active, get enough sun shine, avoid destructive relationships, watch, wait and pray before making major decisions, use good judgment, live a healthy lifestyle.
Spend money wisely; avoid credit card enslavement, save money and pay cash as often as possible. Delay gratification for greater gain; don't let a car dealer, or a mortgage broker talk you into debt that you cannot afford. Look for sales avoid excessive spending and when possible pay off debts before making a purchase.
Avoid technology enslavement; take control of computer, cell phone, and television and radio time. Value personal contacts more than face book, tweeter, and U tube contacts, spend more time in the real world than in a visual world of computer generated sex, blood and mayhem.
Finally genuine happiness and success usually comes in stages, the achievement of minor and major goals such as the completion of the education process, the securing of stable employment, the fulfillment of faith along with disappointments and set backs are all a part of the maturing process.
During periods of hardships and difficulties, stay the course don't be discouraged, trials and tribulations is a precursor of character building. Frederick Douglas said "if there is no struggle there is no progress." Remember there is a rainbow beyond the clouds and even during these difficult economic times faith and character remains more precious than silver and gold.