This year’s graduates have tossed their tassels and are now preparing to embark on an incredible journey. There were some amazing 2013 commencement speeches made at graduation ceremonies that inspired students as they enter a new chapter in their lives.
But as I read through many of the great presentations, I noticed a similar theme. All of the speeches seemed to inspire young adults to think about success differently, to be lifelong learners, and to find their own way to link their work with a sense of purpose and passion. These are all valuable skills that I strive to instill in my teen clients. However, the questions that persisted in my mind were, “Why are these valuable life lessons being bestowed at the END of their education? What could be possible if this great advice was integrated into young people’s lives from the BEGINNING?”
Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post gave a moving speech at the 2013 Smith College graduation. She said, "Success has largely been determined by money and power.” She argued that a third metric is needed, one that is based on "well-being, wisdom, our ability to wonder, and to give back," she said.
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“Money and power by themselves are a two legged stool,” Ms. Huffington continued. “You can balance on them for a while, but eventually you're going to topple over. And more and more people, very successful people, are toppling over.”
Perfect grades and test scores are to teens as money and power are to adults; therefore, grades and test scores are not the only components to academic success. When teens take the time to focus on becoming more self-aware of their strengths, weaknesses, passions, values, and strive for balance, then it can enhance grades with less stress. This is because they have found more meaning in school, have learned to focus on effort, and have defined for themselves a sense of purpose and direction.
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Imagine how much less anxiety the next generation of children would have if they grew up learning that there are many definitions of success. Imagine how empowered they would feel, as a generation and individually, if each one of them took the time to personally discover his or her own unique way to positively impact the world.
Richard Branson, founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group, said, “The best advice I could give any graduate is to spend your time working on whatever you are passionate about in life. If your degree was focused upon one particular area, don't let that stop you moving in another direction.” Branson went on to quote Nelson Mandela by saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” Then, he added his own bit of wisdom by saying, “But education doesn't take place in stuffy classrooms and university buildings, it can happen everywhere, every day to every person.”
I wholeheartedly agree with Branson. When teenagers open up their hearts and minds to what is around them, the opportunities for personal growth and learning are nearly limitless. For many teens, becoming self-aware of how they’re getting in their own way (i.e. their resistance to others’ help) is the first step to becoming a well-balanced, effective, fulfilled adult.
John Donahoe, the CEO of eBay, gave an impressive commencement speech to the graduating class at Stanford’s Graduate Business School. He listed four principles that have helped him navigate through work and life. The top principle that he encouraged was to link your work with a sense of purpose. He said, “It doesn’t matter what industry you choose, what company you join, or what your particular role may be. What does matter is connecting your day-to-day energies to something that is deeply meaningful to you. Discover what really motivates and inspires you, and make sure you can link this to your work. This will make you a more authentic and effective leader, and it will give you the perseverance required to succeed over time.”
Donahoe’s top principle definitely applies to teen students. Some of their “day-to-day energies” in school may seem pointless to them, but what if they took the time to see the bigger picture? What could happen to their motivation if they realized that the work they’re doing now is part of something bigger than themselves? What could be different if they believed that the work and effort that they're putting in now meant many more opportunities to do what they love later?
That brings us back to the original question: What could be possible if this great advice was integrated into young people’s lives from the BEGINNING? I believe that helping young students focus on balance and well-being from an early age could dramatically reduce stress and increase fulfillment not only in their lives, but in their parents’ lives as well. The “all-or-nothing” attitude that money and power (or in a student’s case: perfect grades and high test scores) are the only avenues toward success is not working. As an Academic Life Coach for teens, it has been thrilling to guide young adults toward creating their personal definitions of success. It has been very rewarding to witness them transition from being stressed and anxious to being more confident and purpose-driven.
The word “commencement” means “a beginning.” As we’ve seen, some of the best commencement speeches are presented to college graduates, but we all know that life does not begin at college graduation (at least it shouldn’t). Some critics may argue that having pre-teens think about their purpose in the world may be too advanced for them, but I disagree. With this new crop of young graduates who will not be able to recall a time when the Internet was not a part their daily lives, it is more important now than ever that young adults really learn about themselves in this fast-paced world where flexibility and adaptability is key.
If there is one thing young students should take away from this year’s commencement speeches, it is that no matter what career you have, and no matter how much money you make, true fulfillment, happiness, and purpose comes from doing what you love, doing it well, and doing it for a cause greater than yourself.
I encourage you and your kids to read these full speeches.
Read Adrianna Huffington’s commencement speech here
Read Richard Branson’s commencement speech here
Read John Donahoe’s commencement speech here
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Summer is the perfect time for teens to set themselves up for success for next year. Without the hectic routine of the normal school year, now is the time for teens to really think about how to link their passions and purpose into their work. Hayden Lee is a certified Academic Life Coach for teens, a Teen Motivator, and TEDx Youth speaker.
Contact Hayden Lee today to find out more about the special Summer Academic Life Coaching program. Special pricing ends July 31, 2013.
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