You’ll see them everywhere this time of year—local and national celebrities speaking to graduating college and high school classes. Each commencement address comes with advice to the graduates. Often, though, the life experiences and opportunities of many celebrities are vastly different from what most graduates will encounter, so we wanted to get some advice from people who have had varied life experiences. Who better to give that type of advice than our own Woodland Ridge residents? Here’s what they had to say.
Never Stop Learning
Overwhelmingly, our residents’ advice to the graduates is to continue learning, and they mean in the classroom of life. Several residents suggested that young people should align themselves with more experienced people who have similar career interests. Gaining wisdom from those who have “been there and done that,” our residents believe, is the foundation of continued learning. They also mentioned that having respect for those who can pass along their knowledge and experience is important.
Recognize Your Opportunities
One resident noted that, in her youth, there were far fewer opportunities for work. She says, “There were no McDonald’s or Walmarts. I could pick cotton or I could get an education, and I had to work for my education.” This resident encourages today’s graduates to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them as a stepping-stone to other opportunities. Other residents echoed those sentiments and said getting a job is the foundation of the next phase of these graduates’ lives.
Welcome New Beginnings
Whether it’s travel to a new place, meeting new people, or tackling a new task, our residents say new beginnings open our worlds in wonderful ways. Woodland Ridge’s sages say that each new experience can be a new beginning. They also understand that plans change and life sometimes takes an unexpected course. With that in mind, our residents’ advice is for today’s graduates to have an open mind and learn to adapt to the changes around them and “go with the flow.”
And there you have it! No celebrity soap box here—just sound advice from those with a lifetime of experience. We wish all new graduates the best as they embark on new adventures!
- Eating Right is Eating Well - March 15, 2019
- Ginger – March Resident of the Month - March 1, 2019
- Tracy Williams – March Employee of the Month - March 1, 2019
