This Saturday we will host our 2017 commencement ceremony. Commencement is a distinguished tradition that honors the hard work and dedication of our students, and is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year as a president of a higher education institution. I get the opportunity to shake our graduates’ hands and congratulate them on a job well done. It is truly an experience that I treasure.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t also take the opportunity to impart a few last words of wisdom Here are my top ten pieces of advice for all students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives:

1. Choose to spend your time with people who are of good quality. Good people care about others and want to leave the world better than they found it. The quality of your circle of friends will determine how you will continually develop as a person.
2. Everyone you meet knows something you don’t. Respect the uniqueness of everyone you meet regardless of their position or circumstance and try to learn from them.
3. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. Learn when to experiment rather than commit to a course of action. Small steps in the right direction are just as good as large steps, and sometimes less risky.
4. Our worst days only have 24 hours. We all have bad days, but remember that they are only days.
5. If something is stupid but it works, it is not stupid. Don’t let anyone convince you not to try something because they think it is a bad idea.
6. Luck is predictable; if you want more luck, take more chances. Fortune will always favor the bold.
7. Never miss an opportunity to say “thank you.” Years ago I made a commitment to make gratitude something I practice every day and it has made me a better person and a better leader. Furthermore, people love to be thanked and, frankly, we don’t do it enough.
8. Your instincts will be the most reliable friend you will ever have. We often know more than we think we do. If your gut is trying to tell you something, listen to it.
9. Do yourself a favor every day. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Read more, exercise, adopt a pet, volunteer, take up a hobby. Find something that makes you feel good.
10. Never forget your roots. It has been my experience that where a person comes from has never limited how far they go. Roots only serve to keep you grounded so that you can go out in the world and achieve something great for yourself and those who follow in your footsteps.

With that, I want to say thank you to the class of 2017 for sharing your time with us. We appreciate your contributions to TCC and know you will go on to do great things.

Congratulations and best of luck in all your future endeavors!