Ten pieces of advice for the graduating class of 2019

My high school graduation was more than 30 years ago, but I’ve learned a thing or two since then. Here’s some advice good for people of all ages.

Celebrate all the accomplishments. High school graduation is a big deal but there are few “big” moments as you journey through life. Take time to celebrate the smallest of things – they’re important too.

Seize opportunities to reinvent yourself. New school, new job…think about who you want to be and put the best version of yourself out in the world.

Not everyone will like you. That’s ok. They don’t have to. Surround yourself with people who recognize your best qualities.

Don’t be afraid to fail! If you don’t take risks you don’t grow. Not everything works out.

Find a mentor. Everyone needs support. Tap into the experience of someone you trust.

Put your phone down. Talk to people. Smile. Look them in the eye. Good communication is multidimensional.

Ask for what you want. The answer to the unasked question is always no.

Develop a reading habit. Keep learning, reinforce concepts you already know or positively get lost in your own mind.

Take a mint if someone offers one to you. You may not need it, or might not know that you do.

Do the right thing even when no one is looking. People come and go in your life but the one person who is constant is you. Make sure you like yourself!