I am not the first choice for keynote speaker today! Yes, I am the second pick. The first choice was Glenn Cummings, a fellow Portlander, former speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, and current Deputy Assistant for Vocational and Adult Learning at the Department of Education in Washington, DC. Why do I tell you this? Because, at the end of the day, it is not who gets the first call, whose résumé is incredible, or even what title follows your name. When we let go of our egos and our pride, we realize that what truly matters are what values we emulate and what we do with opportunities presented to us. What matters is if you answer the call.
Many of you are probably struggling to keep your eyes open right now, wishing this speech would end already. I remember when I was in your shoes, listening to Edward Bronfman Jr., the president of the Seagram Company – once the largest alcohol distillery in the world – talking to me and my fellow Tulane graduates on how to be successful in business. As I sat there during his speech, I kept thinking, “What about this speech can I actually relate to?” In the end, I didn’t relate to much that the president of an alcohol company had to say that day, although I found it amusing that a New Orleans school, in a city known for its parties and drinking, had brought in an alcohol tycoon.
So, my quest today is to try and share something that does relate to you, so you can walk away remembering something that Justin Alfond had to say.
What am I going to do or say with this opportunity today? I have fifteen minutes or so to connect with you. I could try to wow you, advise you, talk wonky politics or business, or just leave my mark. What I am going to try to do is bit of everything – thus you see my true colors emerging as a person, a social organizer, a politician, and a businessman.
First, I want to talk to you about the concept of time and how we use it today. Next, I will talk about the important role you all are playing as KVCC graduates, and finally I will end with things to remember.
How many of you wish you had an extra hour each day? What would you do with this extra time? Would you sleep, would you spend time with your family and friends, or would you get to your to-do list that you keep putting on the back burner? Regardless of what you would do, the question I ask you is: “Do you feel that you are in control of your time?” I will argue that time is one of the most precious commodities that we have. And yet, how many of you are satisfied with how you use your time? I, for one, can tell you that I am losing the battle with time.
Here is a quick snapshot into my time commitments: as a Maine State Senator, I chair the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and I sit on the Insurance and Financial Affairs Committee; I sit on four educational boards and one health care board; I sit on four non-profit boards; I run three businesses; I am getting married this summer; and I just adopted a rescue puppy. I share this with you as an example of how I have lost control of the importance of prioritizing – notice which commitments
I mentioned first, compared to which I mentioned last. Time could be my friend, but instead I am have turned it into an endless juggling act. I need to constantly ask myself: “How do my priorities compare to my commitments?”
I ask you today, “What is your relationship with time? How do you use your time?” The most obvious way you have chosen to use your time is by pursuing a higher education. I will talk more about how important this is later. But how else do you use time? What do you do to engage yourself? Do you use time to challenge yourself? Do you use time to connect with things that are important to you?
Ok, why I am spending so much time on time. Well, first of all, my time here today is slowly ending… but truly folks, you all sit here today as soon-to-be graduates, and for many of you, your time slots are already filled. Some of you have jobs, some of you have families, some of you are heading for more schooling, and for others it’s all of the above. My hope is that you will remember that you each have the ability to have fun with time, control your time, and make decisions on how you use your time. Be intentional with how your use your time. Find mentors and cultivate those relationships. Take time to spend time with your family and friends. Use your time to make healthy decisions like exercising and finding stress-free activities. Finally, remember that it’s your time, so enjoy it.
All right, now that we have the time thing all figured out, let’s move on to you – the class of 2010. I want you to be honest here for a second. Raise your hand if you truly thought you would end up here today. Wow, that is impressive on both fronts. Impressive that so many of you did not raise your hands and were truthful, and amazing for those who did raise your hands.
I am awed by all of you. When I graduated from college, I did not have the skill set and job preparedness that most of you have simply by virtue of attending such a stellar Community College. But that is just small part of my excitement for you. Let me share with you why I am so freaking pumped that you all are here today. I must warn you that we are entering some scary talk. Here’s the point in the speech when, if I were 60 years old, you would probably be thinking, “This old fart is just trying to scare me and he’s just an old guy up there who does not know what he’s talking about.” You, each and every one of you, are so crucial to Maine and Kennebec Counties future. Maine has held the distinction for awhile now of being the oldest state in the country, in terms of age demographics. The average age in Maine is 41, while the rest of the country averages 36. The youngest state in the country is Utah, averaging 28 years old. 43 is the average age of a Maine worker. Yes, 43 is the average age! 96.6% of Maine workers ages 55-64 are still working in our hospitals, professional businesses and tourism. Here in Kennebec County, the stats are even more startling.
So, why I am overjoyed for you? Because with your degree, it’s your time to join the workforce all over the state of Maine, especially in Kennebec County. Over 90% of you will get jobs in Maine. Over 45% of you will stay here in Kennebec County to work. The jobs you will be taking are cutting-edge and critical to keeping Maine’s economy moving. You will be working in fields that are computer-driven, health related, tied to pulp and paper, educational, and environmental, along with other numerous skilled trades. The State of Maine needs you more than you can ever imagine. Yes, the truth is that Maine needs your creativity and your skills. Maine needs you to be the next entrepreneurs starting businesses and growing existing ones. Maine also needs you because studies have shown that those with higher educational degrees not only earn more but also volunteer more in their communities.
Did you know that only 8% of Maine’s non-profits have young people under age 30 on their boards? I see many of you ready to learn and contribute to community non-profits. I want you all to think about your hometown. Think about the best time periods of your hometown and think about why it was so special then. Usually, the common thread of a strong town is a group of committed adults who are volunteering to ensure that the town keeps moving in a positive direction. As graduates, you all are entering into an awesome place where you can decide how you want to give back to keep your communities strong.
So let me wrap up this section by saying, get ready to be your best in the workforce. You all know that it is not all roses in our economy. Right now it’s tougher to get a job than it has been in decades. However, do not ever doubt your abilities, do not stop learning, and remember that failure is learning. Also resist the temptation to take short cuts, because it’s often the journey that truly matters. So continue to work hard and have a good attitude, and good things will come.
Alright, here we are as time is truly slipping away. At this point you are pinching yourself to stay awake. The good news is that I am on my last section. Let’s see if I can bring out the tears and maybe some laughter. Ok, so here’s the deal: there are some things that you should try to remember to do today and as often as you can.
First, thank your family and be patient with them. Close your eyes for a second and think about all the sacrifices your family has made to get you here today. Your family, whether you love them a little or a whole bunch, is the only one you have.
Next, take the time to go thank your teachers and stay in touch with them. Your teachers have poured their hearts into your class, and today does not have to be the end your relationship with them. Many of them already are, and can become, your friends and your mentors. While I am talking about KVCC two other quick things…
Find Dr. Barbara Woodlee and talk to her. You all have been around an educational giant. She has gracefully and successfully lead KVCC for 26 years. 26 years! If any of you – and this includes me, by the way – stays in the same field for 26 years, then hats off to you.
Second, please remember KVCC as an alumnus. Give to your school by serving on the alumni council. Contribute as much as you can. These are great ways to give back to your school and to support the next wave of students so that they have a chance to be sitting where you are today.
Now, this one might be obvious, but I must state it: enjoy this moment. Have fun thinking about all the experiences you’ve had to get you to this point. How many papers, tests, homework assignments, internships etc. did it take to get here? I’m sure some of you will be at work tomorrow. Heck, some of you might be a work tonight. All I hope is that at some point you take the time to reflect on all that you have learned and to celebrate your accomplishment.
Finally, one more thing that I would like to share with you: there is not a book telling you what to do when challenges emerge – and there will be plenty. But, when tough times come think about this day and all the obstacles you’ve overcome to get here.
Thanks for the awesome opportunity to address you today. I really feel honored that you chose me as your number two.
