With equal parts humor and wisdom, Ellen Degeneres of daytime TV’s talk show of the same name, tells the class of 2009 at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana to “Have integrity” and “Be true to yourself.” After poking fun at herself and telling her own story of success and failure, she reminds the graduating class that their definition of success is bound to change over time, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “I barely knew who I was when I was your age,” she quips. “I was still sleeping with men.”
I like Ellen’s attitude. She knows how to connect as well as practice what she preaches. You can’t tell others to be honest and real, if you’re not yourself. And Ellen’s commencement speech (or “common cement” as she calls it!) is as real as it gets. Her advice is simple, but true: you will always find satisfaction in life if you follow your heart and be the real you. That’s something I’m always reiterating on College Aftermath: there is no problem too big and no challenge you can’t face if you’re honest with yourself and work hard.
Kudos to Ellen for giving Tulane’s “Katrina Class” some memorable words of wisdom… as well as some ridiculous dance moves! (You have to watch the whole video to see her bust a move through the crowd!)
A few weeks ago I was invited by the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) Blog to participate as a guest blogger for a new series called “What’s Next?” aimed at helping Interior Design students transition from college to career. And I said, of course!
After launching the redesign of College Aftermath last month, I felt it an appropriate way to kick off the next chapter of this site, complete with our own new blog, by contributing to the pool of advice for recent design graduates. I certainly can relate to what they’re going through, and felt honored to be asked for an article.
Rather than narrowing in on any one topic, I felt a good all-around support article for easing the college-to-career transition would be most helpful. The final piece, titled “Road Map to Success: Advice for the Adventure After College” offers six main points for helping to keep a level head throughout the turbulence that often accompanies post-college life:
Maintain a good attitude, no matter what
Embrace the hidden opportunities of our current economic climate
Always remain open to adventure
Forget about what you think you’re supposed to be doing
Get involved with your community
And, my favorite bit of advice: Relaxxxx!
To read the complete article, visit the IIDA Blog. And please feel free to leave comments… I love to hear what readers think!
College Aftermath was originally launched in the fall of 2006. Almost three years later, and we’re happy to relaunch with a brand new design built using the WordPress publishing platform for more flexibility and user interaction! Expect to see monthly articles aimed at helping with the life after college transition, which is the first of many challenges twenty-somethings face upon entering the real-world.
From finances, careers, friends, dating, and general advice — you can find it all at College Aftermath, your ultimate guide to suriving life after college!
