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What is your best advice for the Class of 2007?
Post a comment to share your wisdom and good wishes with our graduating seniors as they leave the Hilltop to make their way in the world. For more information on graduation, visit the Class of 2007 Web site.
I am a member of the Class 1965, Master of Theology from Perkins. I value my time, learning and friends at SMU as a great resource. My advice to you is to live a balanced life of work, play and service to the church and community. The most important thing I can say to you is: It is not the circumstances that are important. It is how you choose to respond to each circumstance. May God bless you on your journey ahead.
Every decision, even so small, builds your life, so make good, sound, rational decisions.
Buy a packpack, a Eurail ticket and go to Europe NOW...life changes so quickly and before you know it, it's nearly impossible to fit this experience into your hectic life.
Go Big! If you think small you'll accomplish small things. If you think big, you will accomplish big things. Go Big.
Don't freak out if you have to move back home with your parents for a little bit. I lived with mine for the first year out of college and was able to purchase my own home with the money that I saved. Also, now that you are older you can really get to know your parents as friends!!!
It seems as though it were just a few years ago that I was graduating from SMU and receiving a diploma on the steps of Dallas Hall. But heck, I'm turning 50 next week! My best advice: Well, always realize that you're never too old for advice. And never underestimate the capacity and potential genius of anyone--your peers at work, the janitor in your office, a cab driver, and even the homeless person under a park bench. These are the individuals who will surprise you and who will teach you the most.
Remember to seek God FIRST in your life (I wish I had heard this advice earlier in my life).
Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. For the wrath of man NEVER brings about the righteousness of God. - James 1:19-20
Think big. Look at the whole picture of your life. Be friendly to all the people in the world. Always be thankful for all you have. Live within your means. Plan for the future and work your plan. Happiness is relative. True happiness is everlasting. And don't forget those who give you this opportunity to better yourself.
Disregard all of the advice you are getting here and live your own life fully, freely andwith passion.
Think it more satisfactory to live richly than to die rich.
You will have opportunities in life to realize a financial gain or illicit pleasure at the expense of compromising your values (or, in fact, violating the law); run, as fast as you can, in the opposite direction and always remember, we are here for a short time and no gain is so important as to lose one's integrity and the trust of those whose opinions you value.
Be honest and true to yourself and family...you know what is right and wrong...there is black and white....with just a little grey...believe in yourself you can do anything...NEVER lie on a resume..it can cost you a great job..put God first, family second and then friends...
It sounds hokey, but I invite you to combat climate change by planting a tree in honor of everyone you love.
Call me if you want statistics.
Drew Haluska
1993
www.kurzmancleantech.com
Just remember that there is more to life than the perfect job. Having a family and being a friend will probably add more to your life than ANY great-paying job. I've never known anyone who wished they had spent more time at the office instead of attending a child's baseball game or dance recital. Relationships are what matter in life!
Believe in yourself, be confident in yourself, be your own best friend, and go for your dream!
"It's a great life.... if you don't weaken"......... my Dear Ole Dad said after surviving the Great Depression. After 50 years as a pastor, I can certainlly add my AMRN!!!
~ Larry D. Robertson, Perkins, SMU, 1961
It has been 17 years since my commencement and I remember it as if it happened yesterday. The next 15 years of your life are going to fly by like lightening. Therefore,
here's my advice:
1)Use your time wisely and productively.
2)Set realistic goals and create a plan for achieving them.
3)Dream big.
4)Believe in yourself.
5)Never say never.
6)Save, save, save your $$$ because you never know what lies ahead in the road.
7)Always have a backup plan.
8)Continue to grow and develop . . . don't let the learning process stop at graduation.
9)Learn to recognize an opportunity and be prepared to act.
10)Keep your SMU connections and continue to nurture the friendships you've made over the last four years.
11)Be gracious and give back to those who help you.
12)Don't dwell on your mistakes, learn from them and keep moving.
CONGRATULATIONS!! The world awaits you. Go and conquer!
My degree was then called B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity),now M.Th. (Master of Theology), 1956, Perkins School of Theology. I'm no longer a Xn but I still value most highly the education I got at SMU (& 2 other Methodist schools, Southwestern U. & Drew U.) which really turned me on to reading & thinking.
I mourn for what we humans are doing to the planet. I applaud all attempts of every kind to heal these wounds. When I became intellectually aware, the population of Earth was 2 billion (after 31 of the most murderous years in history). Now it's 6.5 billion. We should not ask Earth to support that many in a comfortable manner. So give the best gift you can to Earth: do not have children.
Bon voyage!
Keep learning even after you complete your education. Learning is better than even saving money. Nobody can steal from you what you have in your mind!
NEVER let anyone tell you you can't do it. YOU have the power within yourself to be anything you want to be, the only only person holding you back is YOU.GO FOR IT!!
And don't hurt others along the way, it always comes back...
Notice what is around you. Acknowledge what you see. Determine your direction by always looking up. There is no wisdom or direction greater than what God provides in His Word. Pursue it, Embrace it, Claim it, Live it! The difference is everlasting.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. - Plato
1. Find an interest in which you have have strong talents and which you are passionate, and try to turn it into a career.
2. Work hard. Be willing to put more into it than most others would.
3. Find someone to share your life with who not only truly loves you but complements your weaknesses.
4. No matter how successful you become, always be humble and serve others first. And be sure to laugh at yourself and your predicaments from time to time.
5. Believe in God and maintain a good spiritual life. You'll need it when the storms of life come (and they will).
Good luck!
Learn a language other than your own...help those less fortunate than yourself....join the Peace Corps...learn to live on your own.
I am a alum BA '56, MA '58 and my advice: Never stop learning. Whether you go to Grad School or not, keep your mind growing in content by reading, talking to others and listening to as much input as you can find. Reading of course is the best source but with the internet today, the resources are unlimited. Most of my interests today are in areas far different from my college days and keep my mind young.
Don't wait for something to happe - make it happen! However, don't take life or YOURSELF too seriously! Always make time for fun because it makes the hard work so much easier.
I graduated from college over 30 years ago, and I remember thinking at the time that I was "well educated" and ready for real world. My advice is that you realize that "you don't know what you don't know". Never stop learning and seeking as a central focus of your life. You can/will learn and grow so much more than you might realize now. Graduation is an important milestone and you should be proud of your degree. I suggest that you be humble about what the future holds though, and find and commit to unique dreams for your future.
Parent of a 2007 Graduate
The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.
~~Paulo Coelho
STUDY ABROAD!! This is the only time in your life you will have the chance to do this! I know its expensive but it is definitely worth it!
Meet as many people as you can! SMU is a great networking tool for later in life!
Embrace all the interesting classes. Don't just take the basic requirements. Use this time to learn something new! Take an art class or history class just because it seems interesting.
Get out of the US and Dallas! The world is a small place. Keep broadening your horizons - travel overseas. (Canada and Cancun don't count) Go to Lithuania, France, Kenya, Bolivia, Cambodia, Slovakia or Syria - all of the different places will touch and teach you in different ways. They look different, dress different and pray different, but we are all the same.
America is an isolated, wealthy place, and you just graduated from the bubble within the bubble. It will be there, when you return. You can always find food and shelter.
Grow, travel and you will expolre yourself.
Peace
Class of 1987
Class of 2001. I was a financial aid junkie, always looking for next semester's tuition. Money is no object when pursuing your passion (whether or not it includes a backpack and Eurail pass, it's up to you).
Now that we have spent all of this money on your education, go get a job. If you want to get married, make sure it is to the right person and for the reason because if you sleep with a dog, you could wake up with fleas. One last thing, we remodeled your room last semester and made it an an additional storage closet.
Decisions about one's foundation for life and living must be pondered and conclusions reached. If not one unconsciously lives out both. At the end of one's life, no one's tombstone reads: has "I wish I'd spent 15 more minutes a day at the office." Ponder the words of C. S. Lewis: There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."
I graduated in 1977, with my six-year old at my side. SMU offered me an opportunity as an older student completing college. My advice: Don't let your ambitions overshadow your values. Money is not wealth. Live an authentic life where your actions match your values.Participate in the life of your community, at all levels. Broaden your contacts and listen to those whose lives are different. Become involved in the decisions of government. Reclaim Democracy. Consume less, cooperate more. Plant a garden and walk to work. More of my ideas: www.celticwordcraft.com.
Terry - Class of 1987 - a good education and the relationships you met and the ones you sustain are a great foundation for life.
Remember priorties God, Family, Friends, Community, Work. Work is last for a reason - it is important - but only in a balance.
Go for your dreams -the only one that limits you is you. Do not get in your way. Life is too short - so enjoy, experience and treat others always as you would like to be treated.
As an older second career student, I conpleted my Masters in 2005.
My words to you are this:
1. Wealth comes in relationships and not in material things or $$.
2. Strive to be the best YOU can be-not what the world expects of you!
3. Be true to your authentic self-and if you have completed your education and don't know your authentic-FIND YOU! Don't let others define you.
4 Listen to your heart-it will never lie to you and will often warn you against impending harm!
Finally-abide with God and God will abide with you!
congratulations!
You have now graduated to servant-leadership. Be nice to people and help those behind you succeeed.
- Save $10 a week. - Win with grace, lose with dignity. - Say thank you. - Protect your knees, eyes and waistline. - Play the field until you are at least 30. - Become bilingual. - Forget about the destination, enjoy the ride. - Class of '74.
Remember all the friends who helped you climb the ladder of success, as they are the building blocks for your lifelong foundation. You may need them should you slip down that ladder!
I'm a recent grad of 2006. I graduated with a finance major and international studies minor...and have taken a good deal of time off to myself to travel and figure out my ambitions in life. I'm about to start officially working...but getting back to focus...my advice is to enjoy the time that you have in college and life, especially those dull moments you're eating lunch or dinner with friends and talking about random subject matter. Post-college, don't be afraid to take chances and show everyone what you can do and who you are. Although it's a cliche, it's true...it all flies by before you know it, and when you look back at everything, you would have wished you could do it all over again. Good luck with everything ahead of you in life!
Live life to be happy. Just remember, there are bills to pay.
SMU has given you great tools for life's adventures. It is up to you to use these tools well. Congratulations to you. You have accomplished much already.
Marcus Aurelius, the renowned and great Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher and author of "Mediations" followed the Stoic creed of: Wisdom, justice, fortitude, and Moderation."
My advice to SMU graduates and alumni is to follow these stoic philosophical precepts.
First involve and address the controversial topics (like the one exposed by the Crow tour--whether you endorse it or object)on or off the grounds of SMU and deter discussion that becomes just a popular fad or celebration event. There are many major underlying issues that were forefront 30+ years ago (there) and did not get enough time/serious attention/ or "funding" so that enough serious work would actually sustain. It would be productive if the MAJORITY of the class of 07 "enlisted" in some form of national service directly out of school before the next phase of life begins (whetehr it be focusing on warming, energy, cost/availability of health care, military/peace etc etc). Once a consumer/normal citizen one seldom goes back and time is lost. There are issues that need to be solved IF the track and way of life graduates envision are to carry on for next. The time, potential lack of immediate obligation, potential, energy and insight you have at this point should be harnessed. Good Luck.
Continue to challenge yourself. Make the effort to stay in touch with friends. Be open to meeting new people. Pray for discernment.
Be excited and let everyone know how enthused you are to be starting on this new journey. Interviews - be on time, dress well, be honest and realize the choice is a two way decision, know your value and don't compromise your worth, send a hand written thank you note after the interview if you are really interested. If you are not interested, also be forthright and let the propective employer know.
Be true to your heart in all that you do!
Congratulations and enjoy this time in your life!
* Travel internationally if you have not already. It will add SO much to your life and perspective.
* Cherish the friendships that you have made at SMU and try to stay in touch with as many of them as possible right off the bat.
* Dream big and trust your instincts. Now is the time to go for it before everyday life and responsibilites step in and tie you down.
* Give back to the community/country/world. You will find that donating your time or money to causes that you strongly believe in will reward you tremendously.
Finally, HAVE FUN in life. You only get one go at it!!!
I graduated from SMU only a year ago but have a few pieces of advice:
-Don't be afraid to make mistakes! They only help teach you more about the "real world" (whether it be in a job, grad school, marriage, etc...) Trust me, I've made plenty!
-Remember to balance your work life with some time to play as well as time to give back to the community.
-Don't lose touch with your friends so quickly.
-Don't forget to thank your mentors at SMU for helping you get to where you are today!
-Continue to give back to this great university!
Don't expect the World to make sense, it usually doesn't.
Anonymous
Take at least 1 year off and do something that you are passionate about or try something new.
use sunscreen
Oh ya- travel long and far. after about 27 you a)really don't want to go backpacking anymore b)won't be one of the 'crowd' on the backpacking circuits. I did it all & it ruled. I am old now -34, and love my work. But , my friends who didn't 'punch it' after graduation (99%) and travel the world now are just bitter and jealous. Your window is closing faster than you can comprehend- I'm not kidding...get moving.
Embrace the moment you step out of your last exam and reflect about all the time you have been a student at SMU... Wasn't it great? Make the right decisions and use all the knowledge that you gained while at this great university for all of your future endeavors.
As a recent grad(2003), I know what you're going through. Here are several things I picked up along the way:
1. Do what makes you happy--that doesn't mean being a bum and sleeping all day, but it means if you want to teach, then teach. If you want to be a lawyer, be a lawyer. Don't just do it because that's what you think you're supposed to do.
2. Stay in touch--You will lose touch with some of your friends, but try to stay in contact with those who are truly important to you. That goes for your professors too.
3. Accept that things happen for a reason--good things, bad things, random things. It's not about believing in a master plan, but things happen for a reason and you may not know why. You just have to trust the process.
Travel the world before you make big purchases and have kids!
Walk in harmony and leave a light footprint.
Don't ever underestimate yourself.
The second you do that, you've already lost.
Time is the key; use it wisely. Make a list of things you have to do for the day and set your priorities. Just do your best and be sure that nothing is impossible.
"Silence is wisdom, whereas few act according to it.”
Also, once said by Uthman b Affan "O mankind! you are more in need of a leader of action rather than a leader who merely talks." So be the one who is known by his action.
Rabie Ramadan
2007 Graduate