Today’s tip: WELCOME, CLASS OF 2020 [I know it is already 2021, but it applies all the same!]
Today, I looked at UNICEF’s Executive Director’s message to the Class of 2020 and realized that, in several parts of the world, this is a week of graduation and celebration. After years of study and sacrifice, a new generation of graduates is coming out of their classrooms and into the workforce. If you are among the proud parents whose children graduated this year, receive my warmest congratulations for your children and you. Yes, they did it, but you were instrumental in their achievement, so give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Feel proud, brag about it (please do tell me!), celebrate it big time. Well done!
As I was looking into the fantastic messages given to the new graduates, I came about a short clip from one of my favorite Psychology professors, Dr. Angela Duckworth, in which she answers three graduation questions: 1. What is the most important thing in the real world that we need to get accustomed to? 2. How can we prevent failure from affecting our mental health? And 3. What soft skills do you see as important for the post-pandemic period? The answers were simple but profound: Feedback, Learn from it, and Be Proactive!
These questions and answers got me thinking that all of us are currently enrolled in the University of Life, undertaking a Master’s in Life with COVID-19. We are the Class of 2020 [now already 2021], but we have yet to finish our studies. Most of us, I pray, will get to graduate. Some, hopefully many, will do it with honors. Some may decide to drop out. As I invite you to continue with your Master’s and become grittier instead of greedier, you may find useful Dr. Duckworth presentations, as well as the success guidance provided by Richard St. John below. As Mrs. Fore says, through COVID-19 we have grown stronger, learned that by working together we can persevere, and confirmed that the world is one. “What happens in one place, happens in every place”. May we never forget that “[…] by working as one world WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”
Three career tips for new grads:
TED – 3 Career Tips for New Grads | Facebook
Eight secrets of success:
Success is a continuous journey:
Grit, the power of passion and perseverance:
Congratulations Class of 2020:
Take care, and stay safe. Enjoy your weekend! Do something different, go for it!