Words of advice for the Class of 2004

by James Simpson
Potomac News
Friday, June 4, 2004

I am about to attend my 20-year high school reunion. As I think back over the past 20 years, I wonder how much more successful I would be right now if I had listened to the advice of my parents and other adults who were more experienced and knowledgeable than I.
Of course, back when I graduated high school, I knew pretty much everything there was to know. At that time I was confident that I was smarter than everyone around me, especially my parents. It is only as I grew older (and wiser) that I realized my parents weren't as stupid as I thought they were.

In that light, I will impart some of the knowledge that I have gained over the past 20 years in the hope that others may benefit from it sooner than I did.

Learn how to network. No, I don't mean learn how to run Ethernet to your cable modem and adjust your MTUs so you can go from being a lagger to a LPB.

I mean learn how to make business connections and how to carry on an intelligent conversation with business professionals. Most of the opportunities that come your way in the future will be a result of networking. The more you network, the more opportunities to choose from.

Learn how to communicate. Unfortunately, not enough emphasis is placed on writing skills these days. It is assumed that most communication will take place via e-mail, and writing errors will be corrected by spelling and/or grammar checkers. This may be true, but it is my experience that improper English still shines through from those who have not taken the time to learn the fundamentals. If you are unable to write a letter that clearly and succinctly coveys your thoughts, you will be at a distinct disadvantage to those who can.

Think outside the box. This sounds like a clich? but the truly great individuals in history have gone in their own direction - and usually counter to the prevailing thoughts of their day. Columbus, daVinci, Edison, Copernicus, Newton, Jefferson - none of these individuals limited their thinking to that which was mainstream or conventional. Einstein once said: "The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them."

Trust, but verify. Many folks have an ulterior motive, a hidden agenda. Do not take for gospel what you are told. If a financial analyst tells you that the fund she is promoting is the hottest thing around, or an environmentalist tells you that not signing the Kyoto Accord will cause significant environmental damage - research the facts yourself. Don't be anyone's fool.

Put first things first. Consider what is important in life. You only get one chance here on Earth... make the most of it.

I once heard someone say that no one ever looks back and wishes they had spent more time at work and less time with family and friends. Be sure that you prioritize the things in your life and pay close attention to those that are true priorities.

Don't get into debt. As a young adult and college student you will be lured by credit card companies to "defer" payments until later while enjoying the good life now. Don't do it!! This is one of the most important decisions you will be faced with over the next four years.

Along those same lines, learn how to balance your checkbook and how to responsibly manage your money. These are imperative to leading a successful life.

Simplify your life. Don't let clutter and confusion dominate your existence. Consider what you really need, and purge the rest. There is no point in holding on to things just because someone gave them to you or just because you think you "might" need them in the future. Pack-ratting will only slow you down.

Forgive. Without a doubt the best way to remain stress free and enjoy life is to let go of hatred and anger, especially against those who have wronged you. Not forgiving is akin to pack-ratting emotions - if you clutter up your thinking with prejudices and loathing there is no room for growth and love. The stress of not forgiving will age you faster than sun tanning and smoking a pack of Marlboros every day.

I hope my advice helps you on your journey to adulthood. Congratulations Class of 2004. I wish you a fun and safe summer!

James Simpson lives in Lake Ridge.