But, my experience has been that the real success for me has come in the giving, not in the getting. My encouragement to you graduates is to make a life while you are making a living, and to recognize that the joy comes in making a life. The second thing I have learned in this journey is that you ought to do what you love and love what you do. Sharon, do something you are going to love do something you can love for a lifetime. And I have done that in my choice of career, and the choices of family, and the choices of professional experience through the years I ve done the things I ve loved.
Life is too short to be miserable.
I encourage you to choose joy and it is a choice to be willing to follow your heart and to follow the voice deep inside your soul. Find your passion and follow it. Others will influence your choices. There is no question your parents will influence your choices and your peers will influence your choices, but my encouragement to you is to recognize that the choices of your life are yours. Celebrate who you are and use what you have in your unique ways.