Thursday, November 15, 2012

"Help..."





I need some help, please...

 I was the recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award at last year's Spring Commencement...  the downside of this is that I have to give the Commencement Address at this Fall's graduation... which is only about four weeks away...
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!

 The good news is that I have several drafts of different talks going at this time, but I'm not really infatuated with any of the ones that are in process.


I am struggling with the idea that... what advice do I have to give to these graduates?  I'm not that pompous or arrogant that I think I have any real advice for these folks' future.
Anyway...

 I got to thinking about handling this project in this manner...  I was thinking, what advice would I give myself if I could go back to when  I graduated college?

 I have a list of some things that I wish I had known... that I would be able to share with myself... 
but...

 ... what is it that you would you tell yourself?? What could 'today' you tell 'yesterday' you?  What is it that you would tell yourself??
What do you think about this angle to a commencement address???
Help me out... I need some different view points to add to this...
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts...

 *******
The help I am asking for is this... 

 I would like each of you to tell me one thing 
that you would tell your '20 year-old' self...

 There is bound to be SOMETHING you would tell 
yourself if you could go back in time...

~shoes~

Posted by at

39 comments:

  1. musicwithinyouNovember 15, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Ohhh Shoes Yes!!! Yes !!! Yes!!!! I Love your IDEAL!!! I think the kids will take more from that then anything else. I mean kids can only look forward to the unknown ,where you have been through it and it's almost As if they can put them selves into the future and ask themselves those kinds of questions.

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:15 AM

      Hi, Liz... so tell me... what would you go back and tell your 20-yo self?

      I like this approach as well... thank you!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  2. downsizersNovember 16, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    Watch this

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lfxYhtf8o4

    Graduates need to understand the real world now. The protection of academia will be gone. Hope you get some ideas! There may be other speeches as well on youtube. Take care.

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:17 AM

      Hey you... thank you for these links. I've looked at TONS of talks... I'm just wanting to personalize it a bit.

      I guess I want to see what others would tell themselves and compare them to mine.

      What is one thing you would tell yourself?

      Thank you for stopping by!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  3. downsizersNovember 16, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    Here's another

    http://currents.michaelsampson.net/2012/02/gohome.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kalei's Best FriendNovember 16, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    what would i tell the graduates the same thing my husband's view of college is... "college is to help round u out, to show you the way to what u want to do in life... it is not necessarily a sure gateway to an occupation... "... college teaches u how to coexist w/others, deal w/life situations, lessons...(my words)... hopefully college makes one aware of their flaws and not to gloat in their achievements... humility rules!.

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:19 AM

      I like this! Thank you!!!

      How are things going for you? Pretty ok??

      :o)

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  5. LeahNovember 16, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    What a fantastic angle!

    What is it that you would you tell yourself??
    - You're always as good as the next person, but in a different way.

    What could 'today' you tell 'yesterday' you?
    - Imagine everyone nekkid - its a great leveller!

    The old adage of "believe in yourself" still holds strong for me.

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:31 AM

      Hey you... thank you!!!

      How are things in your neck of the woods?? :o)

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  6. HeffNovember 16, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    I cannot be of service, as I SUCK at public speaking.....

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:33 AM

      Heff... talking to groups the size of this one isn't within my comfort zone either! I'm very nervous about it, but it will go ok... :o)

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  7. Miss Stormy "Gumshoe" MarplesNovember 16, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    Well--

    This will be mighty interesting as I will be there in person myself at graduation. Who knew I would get a glimpse of Professor Red Shoes giving a speech.

    Thing about having cousins in Greenwood they go to ur university and graduate.

    Speak from the heart.

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  8. Red ShoesNovember 16, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    'Speak from the heart'...

    That's the only way to do something like this...

    ~shoes~

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  9. Miss Stormy "Gumshoe" MarplesNovember 16, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    That is the way to do "every"thing from the heart.

    What I wish someone would have told me--

    Remember to "live" life while "working" aka "don't become a workaholic"

    Work what u are passionate about.

    Continue to learn.

    Be wise in decisions when becoming friends with coworkers.

    Remember everyone is coming from a different area. "Walk a mile in my "red" shoes before u make judgements on me".

    Oh the list could go on and on.

    Someone asked me a week ago what keeps u inspired. I was at Coffeehouse. Imagine working with 20 somethings. They asked me how I kept going and going and going. My advise was "When u take care of someone else aka a child/spouse/pet, working takes on a new meaning" The Coffeehouse was my "labor of love". I did it cuz of my vet bills. The other thing I said u want to be inspired. He said yes. I said well this will inspire u. Do u want to be walking in my shoes when u are 46-years of age? Working 70 hours a week and working at the Coffeehouse as a part-time job with not a lot of free time at that age. He said you just inspired me. I said work hard to stay in school. If you've been given the opportunity to go to school, dedicate yourself to it. U will make better money. U will be better off than people like me. I tried to stay in college. Life got in the way and when u r making it own ur own and working two jobs.

    I'm sure ur speech will be exactly the right words. Ur students seem to love u and that is a geniune kind of love.

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  10. Miss Stormy "Gumshoe" MarplesNovember 16, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Might I make this suggestion if u are open and u want to really "connect" with these students. I don't know how big the class is but if u can go to them and what I mean by that is literally go to them. Walk down the from the stage/podium. Touch a few of them on their shoulders as u talk to them. And really look them in their eyes. Even if u r only able to touch a few, the others will feel that u are truly trying to connect with them. That has always been my experience. Be on their level. Reach out to them so they can communicate to them.

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    1. Blue GrumpsterNovember 17, 2012 at 7:40 AM

      I agree. Whenever I have to address a large group of students, I always find a way to reach them through the way I speak and look at them, and I mean look at them individually. I'm sure you'll do a good job, Shoes. You're one of the good guys.

      Delete
    2. Miss Stormy "Gumshoe" MarplesNovember 17, 2012 at 7:07 PM

      Thank u Grumpy

      I try to a sincere smile, touch and eye contact. And they smile back. One thing I do when I hand change back to a customer is cup their hand underneath with mine. They seem pleased with the contact and so am I

      Kind sincere genuine gestures go along way with a twinkle in the eye.

      I hope Professor will consider going into the crowd. I am sure it will make an impression on his student and fellow associates.

      Delete
    3. Miss Stormy "Gumshoe" MarplesNovember 17, 2012 at 7:22 PM

      Grumpy--when u, ur wife and uncle make it to Memphis to see Graceland whenever that may be I hope ur family and I can meet even if just briefly. I only work emergency calls at Coffeehouse and I am sure we could all meet for supper somewhere. I would luv to meet ur wife, ur uncle and u.

      Delete
    4. Blue GrumpsterNovember 18, 2012 at 6:18 PM

      Thank you, Miss Stormy Marples. I'd like that, too. Now all I need to do is convince my uncle to get on board that plane. That's so much more difficult than it sounds. :)

      Delete
    5. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 8:44 PM

      Grumpy aka RCB said: "You're one of the good guys."

      Grumpy aka RCB, thank you SO much for these kind words. You have no idea how much they mean to me! Thank you SO!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
    6. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 8:53 PM

      Hi, Stormy... walking down into the crowd just isn't going to be possible. I agree that it would help, but it just isn't feasible.

      Thanks for the advice, however.

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  11. RobinNovember 16, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Shoes, I don't have anything specific for you. I think if you speak honestly from your heart... you will be good. I think this world is different than when you were 20 (and when I was 20), so any advice I would give myself would no longer apply. I think the best you can do is give them the best advice you know for them to be their best and survive in THIS world.

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  12. red.neck chicNovember 16, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    I would say:

    "Robelyn, live with purpose. Always be yourself. Always be open to change. You will always find your way!"

    Then I would read me my favorite quote:

    “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
    ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

    This is a totally cool idea!!!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cocaine PrincessNovember 16, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Wow- how thought provoking. Hmm, I'd probably tell myself to always follow & listen to my heart & forget the naysayers.

    I love the quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry left by red.neck chic.

    Red, I know whatever you say will have a lasting & positive impact. You'll do more than well. :}

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 21, 2012 at 8:33 AM

      Good morning, Princess... thank you for your thoughts!

      I hope I do ok... augh!!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  14. AmiNovember 18, 2012 at 5:32 PM

    I would say that unless it involves blood or broken bones, it's not a big deal. And even when it DOES involve those things, you get past it.

    That things get better. Then, they get worse. Then they get better again. All of life is a series of cycles, and you will have hard times.

    Remember who has your back during the tough times. Offer yourself to others during the tough times.

    Don't sweat the petty things. And don't pet the sweaty things.

    And help someone when you can. Be anonymous if it's possible.

    It's harder to accept help than it is to give it. Try to be open.

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 21, 2012 at 8:25 AM

      Hi there, Ami...

      You offer fantastic advice, especially the part about helping others... anonymously, if possible.

      Happy Thanksgiving to you!!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  15. nitebyrdNovember 18, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    I would tell my 20 yo self don't get married at 19. Stay in college and become that medical illustrator. Computers didn't take over the field!

    The two saddest words in the world ... "What if?"

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 20, 2012 at 10:15 AM

      Hey you...

      I like your comment to yourself.

      One thing that seems to be most evident is that we are most affected by things we tell ourselves... and not really the influence of others.

      How sad is that??

      :o(

      Are you ready for Turkey Day??

      Is there such a thing as Turkey Ghosts or Turkey Zombies??

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  16. Wine and WordsNovember 18, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    I would tell myself to go all out. Humility and a willingness to fail will get you everywhere. If you're going to fail, do it big, do it as gracefully as possible, but be willing to look the fool. Every wise man started as such.

    And for heavens sake....DON'T marry early! And wear a condom. Sheesh!

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 10:01 PM

      Annie!!! I'm not sure I can work the last part into my talk... Hahahaha...

      ...but the first part, YES!!!!

      Thank you so!!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  17. Just telling it like it isNovember 19, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    Oh how I admire you... what would I say to my younger self..."to much knowledge is not always the best thing ask many questions but don't ponder the answers too much." Too much knowledge about things lead me to not have a fresh take on things....Congrads...I know you will do your very best! Amazing

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 9:57 PM

      Hey you... thank you SO much for your kind words. Thank you for this advice. It will most certainly work its way into my talk.

      I trust all is well with you!

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  18. Just telling it like it isNovember 19, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    and my quote for the day...
    "the beauty belongs to those that believe in their dreams" Elenor Roosevelt
    On my mirror at all times during nursing school...Who says you don't graduate from High School and become inspired to get a masters degree....I say me anything is possible...anything

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  19. BathwaterNovember 19, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    "Don't chase material things, they can be nice but they can be taken away from you in moments."

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 8:57 PM

      Hi there, BathWater...

      Amen! This IS the truth!!

      I trust all is well with you...

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  20. Blue GrumpsterNovember 19, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    How are you doing today, Shoes?

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    1. Red ShoesNovember 19, 2012 at 8:55 PM

      Hi there, Grumpy, aka RCB... I am fine, my friend... thank you so much! :o)

      ~shoes~

      Delete
  21. PhoenixNovember 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Dear 22 year old me:

    You are not the center of the universe. Deal with it. Nobody owes you anything, either. Your college degree does not entitle you to a job just because you have it.

    Date more before you get married. Say yes to more stuff, it's a waste of time to be so afraid. Forgive easier, it'll save you a few years of anger. Tell the truth, but learn to do it kinder.

    And you know how badly you're hurting right now, because of stuff you never dealt with? One day you're gonna have dealt with it and it won't hurt anymore and there's no fast track to that, no short cut, nowhere out but through. So start walking now.

    :)

    ReplyDelete

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