Insights for the Class of 2025

By Linda Fisher Thornton

As you begin to build your ideal image of your future plans, and figure out your next steps I have 5 pieces of advice to share that may be useful. I wish someone had shared these life insights with me when I was a new graduate beginning the next chapter of my life.

5 Insights For the Class of 2025

Find Ethical Role Models – While many others around you will stray from the path and make bad choices, your ethical role models will keep you looking forward toward becoming your best.
Manage Your Information Consumption – It is easy to become overwhelmed or fearful when you are constantly exposed to the worst of what’s out there or compare yourself to others. Intentionally follow good news and manage your media time so it doesn’t take time away from relationships or building your own good life.
Become a Truth Beacon – Become the one others can count on to evaluate information and determine whether it is “fake news” or an important truth. You will ground yourself, and become a person that others can count on to cut through the chatter to find what matters.
Take One Step At a Time, One Day at a Time – A wise person once said to me at a difficult time in my life “All you have to do is get through this for one day.” I realized I had been taking on the stress of challenges I would face in the future that were not directly in front of me. Using a “one day at a time” focus, we can overcome our challenges without becoming disheartened.
Find Meaning Through Service – There are many different approaches to life. Some of them are self-serving and others are deeply focused on serving others. I believe that it is through service to others that you will find your true happiness. As you shift your focus away from your own troubles and toward serving others, you find a sense of meaning.

While the world will pull you in many different compelling directions, it is your values that will keep you anchored. Become aware of them. Nurture them. Know what you believe in. Live it. Set an example for others by building a good, ethical life in a chaotic world.

We are counting on you.