Norwich community’s Facebook posts to graduates encourage risk taking, money saving
A week before Norwich University’s 531-member Class of 2022 headed to Shapiro Field House and Saturday’s graduation, alumni followed recent tradition and offered congratulations and encouragement online.
Twenty-seven people replied April 20 to the Facebook question, “What advice would you give to our graduates?” The answers were wise, and sometimes witty. Frank Germanese, for example, quipped, “All that wander are not lost ... except lieutenants ... they are definitely lost.”
As Germanese expressed his sense of humor, Kurt Schlotterbeck encouraged graduates to keep theirs while they seized chances to grow.
“If you want to continue your education, do it now. Before life gets in the way,” he wrote. “Always have a plan B. Life doesn’t always go the way you want.”
Stephanie Wynne agreed with Schlotterbeck — now is when grads can try new things.
“Take some chances now while you’re young,” she wrote. “That gets harder to do as you get older and have more responsibilities.”
Sharing Schlotterbeck’s stay flexible mantra, Brian Pastore encouraged graduates to have tactics and backup tactics.
“Don't be married to any plan,” Pastore wrote, “and adjust as opportunities open and close (even if some opportunities close, others will open).”
Dan Gauthier and Mary Luckymac encouraged students to start saving for retirement, putting as much as they could into their 401(k)s. Gary Marenna suggested graduates find mentors to guide important decisions; Mike Jennings suggested the mentors might be senior enlisted partners.
Tom Lach, Leon Mable and Tony Derbyshire echoed themes Deshauna Barber, the 2016 Miss USA and U.S. Army captain, would emphasize in her Commencement keynote — stay true to yourselves and stay positive.
Mindset dictates actions, Derbyshire wrote, so pick good ones. Lach added, “Take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way, and strive to be happy.”
EXPLORE:
READ MORE COMMENCEMENT 2022 COVERAGE:
- ‘What’s next?’ First-ever soldier crowned Miss USA has some ideas
- With diplomas in hand, 2022 Norwich University graduates express exhilaration
- Norwich University confers three honorary degrees during Commencement
