Success tips for the COVID-era class of 2021
The freshly minted high school and college graduates of 2021 may have missed a lot, but they showed the world tremendous flexibility and perseverance. If you are in the latest COVID class, congratulations! You made it. But now summer vacation is over and the rest of your life is beginning. What’s next? You are stepping into a world that’s not yet fully emerged from the shadow of the pandemic. If you are continuing on an academic path, you may well have flex classes, Zoom campus events, and virtual meetings with advisors and mentors. If you’re entering the job market, you’ll likely encounter some measure of workplace COVID protocols, with more remote and flexible options than ever. Whether you’re heading for the classroom or the office — and no matter how “normal” you find things there — here are some tips for navigating your personal “post-grad” experience.
Follow successful people. Find people at all stages of life who are good at what they do and stick with them as friends and mentors. Their influence will have a positive impact on your choices and your own success.
Make things happen for you. Figure out where you want to be and how to get there. Is there an internship you want? A fellowship? A new job? Go for it. Of course, you won’t get everything you want, but if you’re smart, you will learn from every failure. Create the change you need in your life.
Broaden your base. Keep growing, learning, and expanding not just your skills but your diverse network of people of all ages who can advise you and help you on your path, as you will help them. You’ve probably heard the expression “It’s not what you know — it’s who you know.” But just as important is who knows you, and who will back you up.
Be a friend. Cultivate your emotional intelligence as you learn to be a good listener who cares about other people. Keep asking what you can do to help others. Sure, generosity and social skills are hallmarks of success, but they will also help you be a better, happier person.
Embrace opportunities. Consider even the possibilities that seem scary or out of your reach — venturing out of your comfort zone often yields the most growth and learning. Be open to the new and different people and experiences that turn up in your life.
Show up and stick with it. In the end your perseverance will pay off and your work ethic will speak for itself.
Remember where you came from. Draw strength from your traditions, your culture, and your AISES family.