Be the difference. That’s the Cleveland University-Kansas City (CU-KC) motto and it’s the mantra of the CUKC Spring 2016 graduates as they embark on their careers in chiropractic and the health sciences. Like those who have gone before them, they are committed to doing their part to make a difference in people’s lives.
Every year at commencement, graduates have a mix of emotions as they reflect on the chapter of their lives that is coming to a close. They will beam with pride for all that they have accomplished, and at the same time breathe a sigh of relief that it’s finally over. There will be pangs of uncertainty for what the future holds. And likely a sense of melancholy will set in as they realize that from this point forward, their lives will never be the same.
The irony of commencement is that it marks an ending, but means “a beginning.” Graduates will say goodbye not only to friends but also to an era of personal growth, intense learning, and amazing experiences. Waiting for them on the other side is the “real world” and the start of their next phase of growth.
Here are 7 pieces of sage advice given to graduates by some of the world’s most successful people:
#1. Do what feels right. — Oprah Winfrey
“When you’re doing the work you’re meant to do, it feels right and every day is a bonus, regardless of what you’re getting paid. How do you know that? It feels so. The trick is to learn to check your ego at the door and start checking your gut instead. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.”
#2. Listen to your inner voice. — Steve Jobs
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
#3. Imagine the possibilities. — Michelle Obama
“You all have opportunities and skills and education that so many folks who came before you could never have dreamed of. So just imagine the kind of impact that you’re going to make. Imagine how you can inspire those around you to reach higher and complete their education.”
#4. Failure is an option. — Conan O’Brien
“[For me,] every failure has been freeing, and today I’m as nostalgic for the bad as I am for the good. So that’s what I wish for all of you—the bad as well as the good. Fall down. Make a mess. Break something occasionally. Know that your mistakes are your unique way of getting to where you need to be.”
#5. Face your fears. — Tom Hanks
“Fear is whispered in our ears and shouted in our faces. Faith must be fostered by the man or woman you see every day in the mirror. The former forever snaps at our heels and our synapses and delays our course. The latter can spur our boot heels to be wandering, stimulate our creativity, and drive us forward. Fear or faith: which will be our master?”
#6. Be present. — Jessica Lange
“I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.”
#7. Changing the world is possible. — Bono
“I used to think the future was solid or fixed, something you inherited like an old building that you move into when the previous generation moves out or gets chased out. But it’s not. The future is not fixed; it’s fluid. The world is more malleable than you think. And it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.”
College of Chiropractic at CUKC
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. The Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) can be earned in 3.3 years through a year-round, tri-semester schedule.
If you have more questions about how to become a chiropractor, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this FAQ blog. To learn more, right now, get the free ebook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession today!
