Dear Class of 2024,
Congratulations, graduates !
It has been a long time since I could have worn a cap and gown. SIU Edwardsville. 1982. Whitey Herzog. Ronald Reagan. E.T. Jack and Diane. My world was simpler then.
Diploma in hand, I knew everything.
I knew, well, not everything.
I wasn’t wise enough to attend my college graduation ceremony. I was finishing classes and working full-time at this newspaper. Too busy. Pressed for time. I passed on the ceremony. They mailed my diploma. I should have attended, not for me, but for my parents and family.
Today’s Lesson No. 1: Hindsight. Can’t change what happened. Move on. But always think beyond yourself.
So what qualifies me to deliver your commencement address?
I’m not a famous alumnus who has been invited home to deliver wise tips and insights on how to be rich and famous.
Comes down to this: A long time ago, I was you, in a world as different as it was the same. Big dreams. Little money. Hoped things worked out. Overall, it’s been a good ride. I’ve been lucky.
My secret to success?
It’s still a secret, as far as I know.
But here are some simple lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Pose. Smile. Be cool. It doesn’t matter. Decades from now, everyone will get a good laugh at the photos taken this month.
Learn to play well with others. Be a good teammate. People fail because they can’t get along with others.
Proofread.
Never take a third strike. If you do, don’t blame the umpire.
If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not right. Be strong enough to walk away.
Ask for help.
Take your medicine. Get your check-ups. Don’t ever think you are invincible.
Shake my hand.
Look me in the eyes.
Say “please” and “thank you.”
Don’t throw away the instructions.
Follow the dress code. Don’t look like a goof.
Always check your zipper before walking into a meeting room or onto a stage.
Visit Maine.
Stay humble. Learn to laugh at yourself.
Watch group chats. Know for certain who’s included.
Don’t be a know-it-all.
Guys: Consider dance lessons. At least learn to move your hips a little.
Get out of the house. Social media is not very social, after all.
Don’t judge a person by his or her tattoos.
Visit Ireland. Or go overseas, somewhere.
There is a sauce for everything edible.
Read.
Don’t forget important lessons from COVID. One is that not everyone wants to hug you.
Don’t insist that others like your favorite music as much as you do. Turn it down.
Visit Estes Park, Colorado.
Hold on to daydreams. Imagination is a great friend in life.
Don’t butt in line. Wait your turn.
Go to college or trade school. Enlist in the military. Go to work. Do something. Gaps of empty time are not good on resumes.
Take a few chances. It’s OK to fail. Get up and try again.
Don’t wink at anyone. It’s weird.
Sing along. Humming is OK.
Be kind. Work hard. Smile. Breathe! Pause. Take a nap now and then.
Go to your graduation ceremony. Look nice. Be proud. Wave to the camera. It’s not only for you. It’s for those who believe in you.
Write personalized “thank you” notes for all your graduation gifts. It means a lot to the gift givers.
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