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Opinion: Success means carving out your own niche

This month, just about every newspaper in the state will give some front-page attention to at least one local graduation. They’re always a big deal, especially to those who walk across that ceremonial stage and make their families proud.

Graduations mark a transition in our lives, but sometimes I think they’re overemphasized. Anyone who thinks a high school diploma or college degree is a ticket to success is sadly mistaken. It’s just a ticket to ride. You still have to get there on your own.

But rather than continuing with a recitation of grad-day platitudes, allow me to offer up some less-than-conventional thoughts instead.

First, let’s dispel the notion that you can be anything you set your mind to becoming, because you can’t. If you’re short, you won’t likely make it to the NBA no matter how hard you try. If you’re color blind, you can’t be a pilot. The fact is, some obstacles just can’t be overcome.

You might as well recognize your limitations straight away. That way you can focus on your potential, your own talents and skills, and what you actually can achieve.

The trick to success in our world is to match your abilities to the demands of the working world. Even if you’re too short to play in the NBA, if you understand the game there are other opportunities off the court. I’ve known some excellent sports reporters who couldn’t cut it as athletes, but they understood and appreciated the intricacies of sports and carved out their own niche. That’s how success happens.

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When I was a kid, I was the consummate daydreamer. I wiled away the hours picturing myself as a rock star, or an outstanding athlete, or a great and wise leader. What I had to learn the hard way was that such dreams get you nowhere without discipline and hard work.

To the dreamers out there, I say, go ahead and dream big, just remember that the bigger your dream, the harder you’ll have to work to make it happen.

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If you can, take your time in starting your own family.

I think too many young people jump too early into their childbearing years. It takes time to really grow up (it doesn’t automatically happen at the official age of 18 or 21) and you’d better be prepared, mentally and emotionally, before taking it on.

At my own college graduation — I was in my 30s by then — I remember these words from the university president:

“The miracle of childbirth is not that adults create children. It’s that children create adults.”

As a sat there at my commencement, with a wife and baby girl sitting behind me in the crowd, I understood the truth behind those words. The day my first daughter was born was the day I began to set aside my childish ways and become a man. And since then, being a provider, protector, father and daddy has been the greatest single greatest thing I’ve done with my life.

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And to the parents out there, let me suggest this: Let your young grads get out there and screw up! Most Americans switch career paths at least once in their lifetime. Your kids don’t have to get it right the first time. Let ’em learn.

And to the grads, I conclude with this: You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s OK. Just don’t make any mistakes that’ll get you killed.

Be safe, graduates, but be bold, too. The world awaits.

Tom McDonald is editor of the New Mexico Community News Exchange. Contact him at:

[email protected]