(Note: Today’s blog is dedicated to my goddaughter, Alexandra McGrath, who graduated.from UCSB yesterday. I love you, Alex!)<\/p>\n
Congratulations to the Class of 2009 college graduates! This is an
\nextraordinary time that is rich with newly acquired wisdom and
\nknowledge out of which you can now truly begin to invent your own life.
\nYou have now graduated to Life 101…where the real adventure is just
\nbeginning. Here are a few insights I’ve acquired along the way that may
\nbe useful…things I wish someone had shared with me when I was a young
\ncollege graduate. <\/p>\n
1. While having your college degree is incredibly valuable, it may
\nor may not have anything to do with your ultimate career path. But
\ndon’t let that concern you at all…really. Your degree is only the
\nfirst of many steps you’ll take before you figure out your real career
\npath. The good news, however, is that since only 28% of all Americans
\nhave a college degree you’ll have better job opportunities and should
\nearn about twice that of those without a degree…eventually. <\/p>\n
2. Even with your degree in hand, you will probably still have to
\npay your dues before you actually begin to earn enough money to feel
\nlike a college graduate. You can manage this for a while as long as you
\nlearn to manage your finances carefully, keep your expenses low and
\navoid going into debt. <\/p>\n
3. Your number one priority right now is to spread your wings and
\ntake the time to figure out who you are, what you love and what you’re
\ngood at. These are the experience and skill building years of your
\nlife…enjoy every minute of it. After all, until you know who you are,
\nwhat you love and what makes your heart sing how could you possibly
\nknow what to do with the rest of your life?<\/p>\n
4. Allow yourself the next few years to experiment with different
\nkinds of jobs without being attached to any one of them as a “career
\npath.” If you happen to get lucky and find the “perfect” job or career
\npath…hooray! But it often takes some experimenting before you get the
\nright formula that works. Just show up and give your best and it will
\neventually pay off.<\/p>\n
5. Nothing replaces hard work, integrity, honesty, and
\ndetermination. If you have these qualities, you will be noticed and
\nwill never lack opportunities to explore.<\/p>\n
6. Money is an essential ingredient to making your life work with
\nease and grace. However, it is best served as dessert, not the main
\ncourse. <\/p>\n
7. You are given this one life and you are the star, writer,
\ndirector, and producer. Whether it’s a drama, comedy, or action-packed
\nadventure…it’s all up to you.<\/p>\n
8. Everything you need is inside of you. It will take work, courage,
\nperseverance, and faith…in yourself and God, to find it. Ultimately,
\nthis life is about finding the gold and the wealth that is not out
\nthere somewhere, but that lies within you.<\/p>\n
9. Make it an adventure and May the Force be With You.<\/p>\n
Peace and Blessings!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
(Note: Today’s blog is dedicated to my goddaughter, Alexandra McGrath, who graduated.from UCSB yesterday. I love you, Alex!) Congratulations to the Class of 2009 college graduates! This is an extraordinary time that is rich with newly acquired wisdom and knowledge out of which you can now truly begin to invent your own life. You have…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":351,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,8,9,18,12,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-73","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-events","category-financial-healing-prayers","category-financial-recovery","category-interfaith","category-money-coaching","category-relationships-family"],"yoast_head":"\n