Advice for 2019 graduates: dealing with challenges
“If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.”
This line from US Naval Admiral William McRaven’s 2014 University of Texas commencement address holds personal meaning to me, especially during this graduation season. He was discussing his Navy SEAL training group, and a long night swim they had to complete in shark-infested waters. His instructors said if a shark approached, the trainees should summon all the strength they had and deliver a solid punch to the snout, causing the shark to swim away.
The sharks we have to face in the world come in many forms, some smaller like a big game for the team, or that test you’ve been stressing about. Others are much bigger: graduation, college applications, looking for a job, and those massive events of your life that mean a lot to you and loved ones around you. Transitions from what one knows and are comfortable with, to the unknown, can be a huge challenge. But with determination and hard work, those sharks in your life will swim away.
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I have flown through the rest of my high school years with mostly straight A’s, I’m now Student Body President, and the leader of a school club about military service opportunities. I volunteer at the Horses of Hope equine assisted therapy center, do volunteer service through my church, and I’ve worked part-time jobs in the summer. I have aspirations to serve my country by joining the ranks of the Armed Services as many members of my family have. My goal is to attend the US Naval Academy to eventually become either a Nuclear Engineer or a Surface Warfare Officer. It will be hard work, but nothing truly good in life is easy.
Service and leadership have been vital parts of my life. I never back down from the opportunity to get my hands a little dirty. As a leader, I put my team first, lead by example, and treat everyone with respect, dignity, and honor. But one must also realize as a leader where to go for help, because even you don’t have all the answers all the time. Over the years these values have made me a better thinker, worker, leader, team member, student, and friend. Taking these challenges has made me the best version of myself.
I encourage fellow graduates, to start thinking about the next steps in life. Why be dropped into the new phase of life with no plan when you could hit the ground running and with a roadmap? What kind of a career would you like? This is important stuff, and I’d like to see all graduates charging further up the hill towards your own victory. The path isn’t always easy, but set achievable goals, stay dedicated to your dreams, and you should come out on top.
Having backup plans for the future is also important. As much as I want the Academy, life happens, and that dream may not become reality. My plan “b’s” include Naval ROTC, enlisting, or police work. Establish several alternate plans that interest you and hopefully be happy whatever happens.
One goal I want you to set before graduation is to make sure to thank those people in your life that have supported you. My teachers helped me thrive academically, my sports coaches and gym trainer encouraged me to be fit, my family has been a solid rock pushing against life’s challenges, and God has guided me toward a rewarding life. You know the key influences in your life who have supported you, so take time to express your gratitude.
Classes of 2019, I congratulate you for completing this massive step in your life. Take note of the sharks, and smack them down. Work hard for your accomplishments, and never quit if the times are tough. Perseverance will get you far in life. As we say in the Navy, “fair winds”. In other words, good luck.
Garrett Kincaid from Lyons is the Student Body president for Oregon Connections Academy High School. For information about enrollment or more about Oregon Connections Academy please visit: www.OregonConnectionsAcademy.com/Events or call (800) 382–6010.