A Letter to New Graduates: Navigating Life's Complexities with Resilience and Intuition

As new graduates, you are embarking on a journey filled with unknowns and opportunities. It's a path that will require more than just the skills and knowledge you've accumulated during your years in academia; it will demand resilience, adaptability, and an intuitive understanding of your own values and desires. As someone who has navigated many of life’s rougher patches to emerge with a clearer sense of purpose, I want to share insights that I hope will guide you as you forge your own path.

I grew up under the poverty line in Iowa, far removed from the success stories often told in the media. My early environment was one of limited means and limited perspectives—a world where generational poverty and trauma were common, and aspirations were often dampened by the harsh realities of daily life. It wasn’t until I visited big cities and encountered a wider variety of people and possibilities that I realized the breadth of choices available to me. This was a pivotal moment; I saw a different future for myself, one that veered away from the expected paths laid out before me.

Deciding I didn’t want the life that seemed preordained for me was the first step towards something greater. My journey through education was fraught with challenges—I flunked out of college initially, overwhelmed by the need to balance work and study, and personal struggles, including a deep dive into alcoholism following profound personal losses. Yet, these hardships were critical in teaching me about the importance of prioritization and the power of resilience. Through the support of pivotal individuals, like a friend’s father who believed in me enough to co-sign a loan for law school, I found my footing in the legal profession, which eventually led me to a leadership role in a chemical company. Here, I rose through the ranks to become CEO, a role that challenges and fulfills me daily.

Through it all, the philosophy that guided me was simple yet profound: "If I don’t want this, what can I do from here?" This question encouraged me to lead with intuition and change my circumstances rather than accept them passively. It’s a mindset that I believe is crucial for anyone stepping into the vast and often intimidating world post-graduation.

Here are a few pieces of advice I’d like to offer you:

Embrace Your Journey with Openness and Resilience: Your path will undoubtedly present obstacles—some that may seem insurmountable. Remember, each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't shy away from these moments. Face them head-on with the knowledge that you are equipped to overcome them.

Trust Your Intuition: Often, the best decisions are those that align closely with your inner voice. While logic is essential, your intuition is a powerful ally in making choices that fulfill you deeply. Cultivate it, listen to it, and let it guide you as you navigate your career and personal life.

Seek Constructive Relationships: Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who challenge you to be better, and who provide support when you need it most. These relationships will form the cornerstone of your personal and professional networks.

Never Stop Learning: Whether through formal education, self-directed learning, or professional experiences, the pursuit of knowledge is lifelong. Each new skill and insight can open doors you might never have imagined.

Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst the pressures to succeed, never forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Activities like meditation, exercise, and hobbies are not merely escapes from your daily routines but essential components of a well-balanced life.

As you stand ready to take on the world, remember that the complexities of life are not hurdles but stepping stones to a richer experience. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them to forge a path that is uniquely yours. Congratulations on your graduation—I am excited to see where your talents, dreams, and intuition will lead you.