Advice to graduates

It’s that time of year again where spring has sprung and we’re looking ahead to the summer season. Skis are stored (for the most part) and summer toys are ready. More importantly, graduates from Gypsum to Vail (Eagle Valley, Battle Mountain, Red Canyon, Vail Mountain School and Vail Christian and of course Colorado Mountain College) are looking ahead to the next chapter in their lives.

 

In keeping with the seasonality theme, the next season of life is ahead of you – and it is important. Don’t waste the opportunity in front of you. At the same time, don’t drive yourself crazy with the fear of missing out or the stress of making the wrong choice. You will miss out and you will mess up, just like everyone does.

 

Some unsolicited advice to recent & upcoming graduates:

 

  • Take a few minutes to exercise every day.

 

  • Similarly, take a few minutes to sit in silence each day.

 

  • No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

 

  • What other people think of you isn’t your problem.

 

  • Live a life filled with energy and enthusiasm.

 

  • Don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

  • Envy is a waste of time. Hard work will get you what you need.

 

  • Make time to practice (that hard work thing again).

 

  • Eat more food that grows on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

 

  • Get 8 hours of sleep a day.

 

  • Drink plenty of water.

 

  • Read more books. Spend less time in front of screens.

 

  • Spend time with those significantly older, and those significantly younger, than you.

 

  • Try to make at least three people smile each day.

 

  • Don’t participate in gossip.

 

  • Don’t have negative thoughts on things you can’t control. Instead, invest your energy on being present.

 

  • Realize that life is a school, and you’re here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear (and sometimes fade away like chemistry class) but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

 

  • Smile and laugh more.

 

  • Life is too short to waste time hating.

 

  • You don’t have to win every argument. Pick your battles; it’s OK to agree to disagree.

 

  • Make peace with your past so it doesn’t ruin your present.

 

  • Don’t compare yourself to others. You don’t know what their journey is all about.

 

  • Time heals.

 

  • However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

 

  • Try new things. Enjoy the moment.

 

  • Our perspective of what we can do is based on past results and not our true potential.

 

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016. The best is yet to come; work hard, celebrate your success, and don’t forget to call your mom every once in a while.

 

 

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership