To the Class of 2020

It has, by all standards, been a strange and unusual year filled with adaptation, change, and loss. For graduating seniors, this means the loss or traditional graduation ceremonies. While celebrations take place, they look remarkably different than they have in the past. There are still graduation speakers out there who think that the same old, often heard advice, delivered by Zoom will be good enough for the situation we are in. To that I say, a new time calls for a new approach.

So, with that in mind, I present this year’s advice to graduates. Gleaned from some characters who know a thing or two about overcoming challenges, it is timeless yet still appropriate to today’s topsy turvy world. Enjoy.

Ask Questions

No one knows everything. It is always smart to ask questions. Have a ‘go to’ person (or persons) who know a lot more than you. It is always better to know as much as you can about a situation and getting information from someone else is an easy way to deal with an issue before it becomes a problem.

Take time to Have Fun

You can’t work all the time. Sometimes you need a break. Take one! Relaxation is good for you. Go see a show. Take a walk. Have a snack. There is no harm in a little diversion once and a while.

Delegate

It is no secret that there is a lot to do in every day life. Between work, classes, chores, and all the other things that have to get done, it is easy to be overwhelmed. You don’t have to do everything yourself. And you don’t have to wait around for someone to offer to help. Ask for what you need. You might be surprised how helpful people can be.

Find your own style

It is always tempting to just follow the crowd and do what everyone else is doing. And that is fine, as long as you find joy in it. However, at some point you will need to find your own unique way of being you. Some people may not like it or even understand it, but they don’t have to. Be unique. Be yourself. Find a style that brings you joy and stick with it.

Live up to your promises

If you make an agreement, stick to it. Don’t back out of promises. If you have committed to something it is important to always follow through. Say you are going to do something, then do it in a reasonable amount of time. That is one of the best ways to build trust.

Be prepared

A little preparation goes a long way. If you lay out your goals and plan small steps to get you there, you are much more likely to succeed. You are more likely to see opportunities when they happen and use them to your own advantage. Don’t forget! Sometimes there are bumps in the road. Prepare for them, too.

Be Confident in Yourself

You have skills and talents that are valuable, but if you don’t let people know, they will likely be missed by those around you. You are your own best fan. Self-promote. Tell people how great you are otherwise they will never know. And how sad would that be?

Develop new Relationships

You will be heading out into new frontiers with opportunities to meet new people. It is sometime hard to make connections with those who are different not only from us, but from the people we are used to. Be brave! You never know who you might meet. It is possible that you will form relationships that will make a change in you and last the rest of your life.

Mother Knows Best

Or Father. Call home often. As you are dealing with change and new situations, remember that the people who know you best are still there for you. They can remind you of where you come from and give you solid advice. They understand that you want to head out into the wider world, but still can keep you bound to where you came from.

Be open to change

You will change over the next several years. Let it happen. We do not all stay who we were. We develop and grow. Be willing to become more than you were. Embrace the changes that will come. Don’t keep yourself small out of fear of what might happen. Be bold and put yourself out there for everyone to see.

There you have it, Class of 2020. Your graduation advice from me and Disney. You may have some challenges in front of you, but with the right attitude, you have the ability to overcome it.

Congratulations!