GenYNetworking.com

Lessons for Gen Y Graduates

Yesterday, I graduated from Otterbein College (YAY!) which is located near Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jeffery Wadsworth, president and CEO of Battelle, gave the commencement address. I think he helped the Gen Y’ers in the audience think about life after college and their future in general. Here are a few takeaways:

• Live your passion – Wadsworth reminded my classmates and I that believe it or not, time flies. He said sometimes he fears younger generations like Gen Y think a job that pays well is the end goal. He said if you do not want to have any regrets in your life, do something that matters and work in a field you are passionate about. The end goal should not be making a lot of money, but doing something you love.
• Answer the questions – Wadsworth asked us to consider the questions, “Where will I live? What will I do? And how will I do it?” He reminded us that these questions, which seem simple, are sometimes the hardest to answer. There are no right answers to these questions and our answers will change over time, but he reminded us to consider our future and where we really wanted to live, work and how will go about it. He said Gen Y has more opportunities to live wherever they chose unlike our parents and grandparents who tended to stay closer to home and said he has been from living for his lifestyle. In other words, “If you want to play for the Yankees, you have to go to New York.”
• Work hard – Wadsworth joked about how he struggled as a student, but he became persistent, dedicated and worked hard to get to where he is today. Sometimes the things which are the most difficult to achieve are the ones worth going after.

I hope I am living my passion in my new position as a social media manager for Written Impact. I worked hard in college, but it definitely paid off. How are you living your passion? When was a time when hard work paid off for you?