This “hard copy” edition of the South Shore Press features our much improved Graduation Issue. While breaking news and editorial content is being updated at the SouthShorePress.com, this special edition honors high school graduates from the Class of 2024.
I asked our editorial team to pen columns on what advice to offer students.
Here’s my blunt advice from a 50-year-old married guy with four kids, who doesn’t want to sound like that grumpy old fellow yelling at kids to “get off my lawn.” But I most certainly will.
NO PLANS? NO PROBLEM
You’re getting pressured and bombarded with questions like “what are you doing next year?” Don’t stress. You’ll have your whole life to figure it out. I made a major career change at 40, pivoting professionally from journalism to politics. I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until I spent four decades on earth.
SERVICE OVER SELF
God blessed every single one of you with unique talents. Don’t waste money on self-help books and therapy to figure out your purpose. I’ve got the answer: pray on what gifts and skills the Lord blessed you with, then use them to serve and love others. It’s that simple. Never make decisions for status, power, or prestige. If you love science, consider a path in medicine or research. If you possess communications skills, try journalism or teaching. If God is calling you to serve, pursue the priesthood. We’re put on this planet to serve a much higher power by loving and serving one another.
CONSIDER THE BUILDING TRADES
When I went to Syracuse University to start my freshman year in 1991, the biggest path guidance counselors pushed was toward college. It was the right path for me back then, about $16,000 a year. I worked one job overnight loading trucks and stocking shelves, then went to my second job at my church working construction and odd jobs to pay for that. Now it costs an undergrad living on campus $88,560 for one year of tuition at SU.
It was worth it, a solid investment since the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications was a prestigious journalism school that would open tons of doors for me. It sure did.
But, there’s zero chance I would encourage a teenager now to attend an Ivy League school, go $400,000 in debt, and leave with a worthless four-year degree in gender studies or Sanskrit. You’ll be lucky to find a job pouring overpriced coffee at Starbucks and you’ll never climb out of that crushing debt.
Now, I would encourage students to strongly consider the building trades along with a degree in finance or accounting. Most apprenticeship programs take two years, you’ll leave with practically zero debt, and you’ll earn a solid six-figure income. Don’t waste your time earning a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies certificate from Colorado University (yes, this is real). The country needs way more electricians, plumbers, and ironworkers.
PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE
Especially when you’re with a group of friends. Live in the moment. Talk to people. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn and grow by engaging in conversations with the people around you. No, not texting them. Talking to them.
TALK LESS. LISTEN MORE
If you’re not listening, you’re not learning. In conversations, ask a boatload of questions. When I was the Erie County Comptroller I had a regular meeting with M&T Bank CEO Bob Wilmers, God bless his soul. After our third meeting I realized he talked very little and peppered me with tons of questions. He was soaking in information, and genuinely cared about my personal and professional life, and how I was doing.
PURSUE YOUR DREAMS WITH PASSION
Think big. Dream big. If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear. Pursue your wildest dreams with reckless abandon. Never give up. This part is important: ignore and avoid negative naysayers who tell you that “you can’t” achieve your dreams. Run from them. Don’t give them an ounce of your attention. Surround yourself with positive people who nurture and encourage your goals. My brother Dan was a Buffalo firefighter. Wife. Back then three kids.
He was medically assisting a homeless man and treated him with dignity and respect. The gentlemen turned to Dan and said “you should be a doctor.” My brother did exactly that. Went to night school to complete his undergraduate degree. Got into medical school at the University at Buffalo (while firefighting and raising a family). Completed a five-year residency program and is now an orthopedic surgeon.
He had tons of people tell him he was crazy. Couldn’t do it. “It’s impossible for a firefighter to become a doctor.” He proved them all wrong. So can you.
DUTY IS OURS. RESULTS ARE GOD’S
Former President John Quincy Adams served in Congress following his service as Commander in Chief. For many years he proposed, pushed, and tried to pass emancipation laws to free slaves. He never wavered, never gave up. He constantly hit brick walls, but year after year he kept proposing emancipation legislation. Adams was asked why he didn't give up. His response: “Duty is ours. Results are God’s.”
Work incredibly hard achieving your goals. Embrace and learn from failure. If you do fail, “Let go, Let God,” and keep on fighting. Live your life so that when you pass from this mortal coil, and you assuredly will, our Creator will welcome you with the following words:
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2024. Now get off my lawn.