Not a COVID Commencement Speech
My favorite artist once said, "We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life."
Another young black man once said, "I think we all need a pep talk."
At this moment, we are all trying our best to stay healthy and live some version of our lives. Some days are harder than others, and each of us is battling the demons of reality in our own ways.
I've spent many of the past weeks talking with my children, students, friends, and family about our current state of reality. This is new for all of us, and there is no playbook for what comes next.
My son should be crossing his graduation stage this week. My students next week. My neighbor's son in a few weeks. But, with the current global pandemic, none of that is happening. At least not in any version that any of us are one hundred percent happy with.
As I type this, every industry on the planet is being shaken and shattered. Millions of people have lost their jobs; doors have been shut on businesses without any idea of when/if they will ever open, and we don't know when we'll all be able to leave our homes regularly.
A graduating student that I have developed a friendship with asked me, "What do you think happens next? I know you won't bullshit me, and I'd like to hear what you think."
This gave me pause. I'm a born optimist who always looks for a silver lining. But, as I've grown older, the realist in me has come out more. While I still hope for the best, I plan for the worst.
That question prompted me to write this. The conversations with my children about how to stay positive for the future. My juniors who are panicked as all of their internships evaporate before their eyes. My seniors, who should be excited about their new jobs, are instead terrorized by the loan payments they now see on their horizons and no paychecks to pay for them.
My initial brainstorm in the shower was to write this as a commencement address, but we all know there are going to be an outpouring of those in the coming days and weeks as people view it as "engageable content."
The truth is I'm deeply concerned about what comes next.
I know that the world I taught about in my Fundamentals of Business class this semester will be different from the one I teach about this summer. By the time we are back in our classrooms for the fall, it will be even more unusual.
Jobs are going to take a long time to come back in many fields. I hope my students realize that they may have to look in different industries and locations than they originally planned for. Getting your foot in the door and gaining real-world experience should be your goal. Always keep an eye on what is going on and opportunities that may arise, but get working. Learn what a real office is like and do whatever work you can do.
If you've always thought about going on to Graduate School at some point, now might be a perfect time. If you have the means to be able to afford school, that is a great way to spend the time while you wait for the world to find it's footing.
It might also be the time to take that idea you've had for your own business and give it a try. Entrepreneurship is never as easy or glamorous as the hustle-porn makes it out to be, but I've always believed that I'd rather starve from trying to hunt than waiting for someone to put a meal on the table.
There are dark days ahead, but at some point, we will begin to see the light, and the play button on our lives will be pressed again. When, how, and what that looks like is better left to people with more knowledge than myself.
If you are worried, concerned, or stressed right now, you are not alone. Last night I learned about something called 'Allostatic Load.' It describes how I've been operating lately. Now that I recognize it, I can push past it and be productive. (At least that is my plan.)
To everyone reading this, I hope you maintain your health and well being. If your work situation is threatened, destroyed, or in limbo, I hope you find something to tide you over until you fully get back on your feet.
To my students, please hang in there. Hopefully, this fall, we will all be back together again, and while our smiles might be hidden behind our masks, know that they will be there.
For those who graduate in two weeks, I'm going to miss being able to shake your hand or hug you while I tell you how proud I am of you. You've worked SO hard, and this isn't how it should end, but it'll be a story that someday you'll use to explain resiliency to your children and grandchildren.
COVID-19 has taken so much from so many. It isn't done, but I always remind myself that humanity will find a way forward. We have to.
Stay safe. Wear a mask if you go outside. Be well. Don’t give up fighting!!!
