Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
Caps & Gowns Optional
My daughter Riley graduated this weekend from high school. Her 13-year journey through elementary and secondary education is now complete and she will be heading off to college at The University of South Carolina in the fall where she plans to major in Elementary Education.
My mother and father were both educators and as many of you know, I spent the last 11 years as a teacher and coach for real estate agents both locally and nationally and my wife has been volunteering at the same elementary school where Riley and her brother attended as a teacher’s aide. It’s really cool to know that Riley will be continuing the family tradition of helping educate, guide and mentor the next generation and I know she’ll be a great addition to the industry.
As I sat at her school’s graduation ceremony, I was struck by how many “life lessons” and/or “sales tips” could be learned by anyone paying attention, seeking to “sharpen their saw” and use each moment to improve. Even as high school ends and the next phase of life begins, the lessons don’t stop for summer break.
Lessons Learned from Graduation
The trouble with being punctual is no one is there to appreciate it.
– Franklin P. Jones
Arrive early – There may not be a lot to gain by being early for everything but there sure is a lot to lose when you show up late. Be respectful of others and show up ahead of schedule so things can begin as scheduled.
Plan your moves ahead of time – There was a lot of moving parts at graduation so it’s probably a good thing the Seniors had a rehearsal to know what they were supposed to do before, during and after the ceremony. That preparation also helped the kids help parents and other guests be strategic about their general admission seating locations so they could be prepared for photo opportunities and good sight lines of the stage.
Walk in with confidence – Even though the classical arrangement is very formal, wouldn’t it be cool if “Pomp & Circumstance” played every time you entered the room? It was nice to see many of these kids strut into the arena with confidence and poise. When you approach a meeting with new clients or walk into an uncomfortable situation, set the stage by walking in with confidence and the knowledge that you belong there.
Have an agenda – When everyone has a program, expectations are easy to meet. It helps everyone from the leader of the event to the lowliest attendee stay focused and on track.
Always remember where you came from – The UAHS Senior Symphonic Choir sang a beautiful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner then delivered a beautiful singing of Upper Arlington High School Alma Mater. While I am a graduate of UAHS (Class of ’85) and my wife is too (Class of ’87), neither of us ever remembered hearing it, let alone singing it when were walking the halls. Written by a fellow alum in the Class of 1945, Patty Cooper, it was a beautiful tune and the words reminded all of the good times had and the memories to come.
Oh Arlington, dear Arlington, Our hearts will ne’er forget. The Gold and Black will bring us back, to dear old Arlington
Give Thanks – Appreciate those in your midst, those who came before you and those who will come after you. Like in life, school is not an individual event. There are many people who impact, encourage and inspire us every day and offering a simple “thank you” can really give them a boost of energy to keep providing the support we may need.
Make others feel welcome – If you’re not competing, then you are most likely cooperating. It’s easier to work with friends than it is strangers so working with a mixture of open arms and open minds is sure to open more opportunities than the alternative.
Listen to those who are smarter than you – While grades aren’t the “be-all, end-all” indicator of future success, it’s how most schools “keep score.” The students who get mostly A’s are usually considered smarter than those scraping by with C’s & D’s. That being said, there is much than can be learned from the hard-working graduates who might not have ever made the honor roll because they still found a way to make it through the maze and get to the finish line. No matter where you go in life you can always learn something from people who are smarter than you and remember this…“if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
Remember why people are there – If you’re lucky enough to be selected to speak in front of a large crowd, remind yourself as you prepare, the moment is rarely about you. You are there to celebrate the group and the reasons why they are there. Keep speeches short and sweet and understand that those in attendance will appreciate you for it.
Step forward when your name is called – It’s the one word in the English language we all hear when it’s said; our name. People work hard to make sure their name is known by others and as a student or salesperson, it’s no different. Earning top of mind awareness is what we’re all striving for. Just make sure you’re listening over the noise, ready to step forward to grab what’s waiting for you when someone calls your name.
Words of Wisdom – You never know where the next nugget, idea or inspiration might come from so give the teacher, parent or leader your undivided attention and be ready to act on their advice or instructions. It won’t be long before you might be the teacher, parent or leader.
Walk on…not away – As the almost 500 newest Golden Bear alumni walked away from the ceremony today, it’s easy to say they weren’t ending their high school career as much as they are beginning the rest of their lives. Many will go on to college, a few into the military, some into business or entrepreneurship and others into something else entirely but they will all carry the diploma and knowledge that the four years they just completed has them ready to face whatever life will bring them.
I didn’t get a chance to talk to many of the graduates beyond a few of Riley’s closest friends but if I did, my graduation message would be something you might have heard before…
Build relationships, solve problems and have fun!
