Commencement "Address"
This is the time of year when the nation’s graduates line up for accolades (and their diplomas). It is, for them, a beginning—a commencement of a new phase in their life. But ahead of that, most are given the “opportunity” to hear some words of wisdom and inspiration from an individual that they have likely never heard of (though their parents may have). In that spirit, I’d like to offer the graduates of 2023 some lessons I’ve picked up along the way: Your first job can be like your first love—it will either bring a smile for years to come—or it can break your heart. And sometimes both. Just because you’re young(er), people are going to assume you know things you don’t—and assume you don’t know things you do. Everything you’ve heard about your elders isn’t true. But some of it is. There actually ARE stupid questions. If your current boss doesn’t want to hear the truth, it may be time to look for a new one. There can be a “bad” time even for good ideas. ...