Open Letter To College Graduates

Dear College Graduates:

You have tossed your tasseled mortarboards into the air, whooped and hollered, hugged friends and family and perhaps shed a few tears.  Commencement exercises stir up emotions.  But I bet your heralded speaker was a sourpuss.  Likely, you left the ceremony, head drooping, feeling defeated.

After glancing over a few speeches, I don't blame you for fretting about the future that awaits.  Today's commencement addresses paint a dystopian picture of environmental destruction, political rancor, injustice, racism and phobias that haunt America.  World collapse is imminent.

May I point out that every generation has faced a daunting future.  Challenges are nothing to fear.  Life does not come with a guarantee of perfection.  That's why we need young people who are willing to embrace the chaos, uncertainty and difficulties that lie ahead.  Who will do it, if not you?

Some of you, influenced by your professors, are angry at your parents and grandparents for the mess they have created.  You are convinced we have failed miserably to solve the country's problems.  It is our fault Nirvana does not exist.  You yearn for a pristine America with harmony and social equity.

Each generation has dreamt the same dream.  Now it is your turn to pick up the mantle of responsibility and kindle change.  In our country, you are free to help shape an alternative future.  Nothing will be different tomorrow if all you do is complain, blame and abstain from the fray.

Remember the next generation will point the finger at you for whatever blemishes remain.

As you leave college, your education has just begun.  No matter your career choice you will be confronted with frenzied change, disruptive technology and job upheaval.  You will be required to rapidly learn new systems, tactics and applications. Inflexibility is the enemy of success.

Fortunately, you are entering an era of robust employment opportunities.  Wages are rising, unemployment has dipped to a historic low and job creation gallops at a record pace. Despite these conditions, a negative narrative is developing that many graduates face underemployment.

Ignore the naysayers.  A New York Federal Reserve study found that graduates are accepting jobs in sectors that once were considered blue-collar.  The reason is there is a severe manpower shortage that is fueling rising wages that surpass many white collar professional jobs.  That is not a bad thing.

In life, it does not matter where you start.  Careers are long journeys not a weekend trip. American freedom provides you the opportunity to shift careers, change companies, create your own business and pursue your passion. You control your own destiny but only if you are willing to take risks.

I read research that finds most of you desire a work-life balance.  Even your grandparents and parents strained for the same ideal.  The reality is there will be unavoidable trade-offs. Anyone who advises you differently is a charlatan.  It will be a struggle to find equilibrium but it always has been.

In the end, you have to decide what is right for you and your family.  If the current job doesn't allow you freedom from suffocating work conditions, take matters in your own hands.  No one can force you to accept these circumstances.  Change jobs, locations, careers.  Don't let anxiety paralyze you. 

Too many newly employed graduates have not been prepared for this reality.  You have been coddled, protected, cocooned and frankly, spent your college careers being lectured about your right to demand that employers adapt to your needs.  Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's not the way it works.

However, companies are becoming more attuned to employee needs because the roaring economy has sparked heated competition for the best and brightest minds. Firms are offering more perks and revamping the workplace environment.  One caution: it will last as long as the economy prospers.

About 70 percent of you are leaving with a boatload of student debt: an average of $29,500.  I don't need to remind you no one put a gun to your head and ordered you to borrow money. Make paying off your loan the top priority.  It not only is honorable, but you will learn financial discipline.

Finally, I realize it is politically incorrect to talk about faith because many students are agnostic about the existence of God. In our country, you have the freedom to believe whatever your heart dictates.  However, I implore you to ignore college professorial wisdom and do your own soul searching.

Here is counsel from someone who knows: Without faith, the world will always appear to be a darker, hopeless and cruel place.  It is only by faith that we can overcome cynicism, rejection and despair.  An enduring faith will arm you with the peace to face whatever life throws at you.

I pray for your success both in your career and your life.  The country needs a jolt of youthful enthusiasm and guile every year to forge a brighter future.  You have been blessed with an advanced education. Use your learning to contribute to the ongoing renewal of our resilient nation.