Thank you…

I was honoured and flattered when I received the invitation to be with you tonight.

A group of people who have chosen professions that will touch and change lives. Nursing, Health Care assistants, community support workers social services, Admin assistants, business management, medical office assistants, legal administrators –  all of you will be making someone’s life easier,  smoother and in some cases safer. For some of you it will be in situations where they won’t be able to say thank you. So let me take a moment now and say Thank you. Thank you, for taking the time to get educated in a role that will make a difference in our community.

Tonight you sit at the end of the beginning.

So much growth, time, dedication and education passed to get you to this night.  Such an exciting time as you step into your next role, begin a new chapter and embrace your future. What wisdom can I offer?  I may have a nugget or two to pass along.

The grown up in me wants to remind you to never spend more than you make and no matter what buy contents insurance.

But more importantly I want you to:

Howl at the moon.  While it is fun to throw back your head and let a howl loose that’s not exactly what I mean.  I want you to embrace your passions and share that enthusiasm with the people around you. The fearless abandoned that still has great intent that is exemplified in a wolf howl at the full moon. Hold that spirit inside you and let it rip daily as you step forward into your next adventure.

Grow YOU. Already you have come so far after making the decision to pursue a career and get the required education here at Sprott Shaw. Know that the YOU of today is not the YOU of tomorrow and that is okay. You are special, you are on fire and you have learned so much, but the road ahead of you will continue to mould you along the way. Your foundation is strong which means it’s time to stretch. Listen to your mentors, listen to your peers, listen to the person that drives you crazy – and grow.

The most exciting thing about the end of the beginning is that it is the beginning of the middle.

Choose today how you are going to walk through your professional life. Will you be posting on facebook about what a pain in the butt Monday’s are and how you can’t wait till Friday?  Or will Monday’s be a day, while perhaps not easy to roll out of bed, will still be met with joy for the work week ahead because this is what you trained for  and what you choose.

If the time comes that your feet stop hitting the floor with enthusiasm for the day or week ahead remember you can choose to grow YOU. Make a change and embrace a new adventure ahead, your success here at Sprott Shaw has already taught you that your capacity to learn is more than enough.

Crappy things are going to happen; divorce, job loss, health issues, it will be hard and frustrating. Those moments can define you. Again choose to grow you. Reframe your world and find a way. Somewhere in the dark I promise there will be a light. If you can’t find that light, find someone with a lighter.. or at least a flashlight to help you find the way.

One of the great things about education, no matter what course you are in, is that it opens you to the concept that someone with great skill or knowledge is available to pass that information on to you. Please know the same goes for day to day life and no matter how proficient you become there is always someone that can teach you something that will make life easier for you.

Asking for help, more tools in the toolbox, and support is never a bad idea.

So remember:

Don’t spend more then you make

Always have insurance

Howl at the Moon

Grow you

Choose your outlook

And find a flashlight

One last thing to carry with you..  as Walk The Moon likes to remind us.. sometimes; you just need to Shut up and dance.

Congratulations.