- Make your career choices according to how you can serve, not according to how much you earn. You will retire with a smaller pension, but much bigger memories.
- Take care of others and the rewards (funds) will take care of themselves. - Earl '74, '77
- If you feel stupid while trying to learn how to do something, that's a good sign that it's something worth learning. Never coast by on what you already know. - Catherine '99
- "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin - Karen '90
- You all possess the capacity for leadership, but only those who cultivate it will ever become true effective leaders. Lead on! - Muriel '83, '98
- The worst thing that happens to you can be the best thing...it all depends on how you react to it. - Lorie '88
- Sometimes the most complex problems have the simplest solutions. - Ariel '14
- Live an attitude of gratitude - always, and in all ways. - Colleen '81, '83
- My two favourites: Work hard and never hurry. Five minutes early is 'on time'. - Richard '79
- Never be afraid to try something which you have never done before. - Peter '59
- Always be kind to those around you - it's a small world after all ;) - Sana
- Upon graduation, do your best to get a job- at ANY level in the work you love. You will find that by doing one you will soon rise to senior positions plus you will have learned to be directed so you will be able to direct others. - Bill '46
- Don't worry about your career path it will happen: in elevators, bars, community activities. The really good careers generally find you, not you them! Just try to be the best in whatever you choose to do. Good luck. - John '54
- "Treasure the close Mac friendships which you have developed. Keep in touch with them across the world. Decades may fly by but shared laughs and experiences will keep you grounded throughout life.
- The Mac Marauder '57 football team still has a ball doing lunch and recalling our life at the wonderful little university that grew to be a world leader. - Chuck '58, '59"
- Don't forget to use your intellectual gifts wisely for the highest good. "Ask, and you will receive." - Joan '59, '60
- Never be afraid to change your mind if you find you have to. - Barbara '63
- It might profit us to evaluate carefully the current wisdom and seek happiness for the least of our global kin. After all, they are too often victims of oppressive hedonism that in the end cripples the common good. - William '64
- Don’t cry because it's over; smile because it happened. Dr. Seuss - Catherine '66
- There's an age-old formula for successful multi-tasking: Keep your eye on the ball, your nose to the grindstone, and your shoulder to the wheel. - George '68
- Actions result in reactions. Be sensitive to how your actions will be received by and will affect others. - Lynda '68
- To all the Graduating Entrepreneurs and Free Spirits: First they ignore you, then they attack you, then you win. - Carlos '74
- These were some of the best years of my life. Cherish the experience and the friendship you make along the way. - David '74
- Live well, laugh often, READ much! - Nancy '75
- Every cloud has a silver lining. Look for it. - Veronica '75
- Remember that when you make a decision, if you are the only one to benefit from the result of that decision, it is probably the wrong decision. - Nancy '75
- On teamwork: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. (African Proverb) - Carol '76
- Don't burn the candle at both ends. - Wendy '77
- Whenever I am challenged by a situation and debate if I should act, I keep in mind that "if you do nothing…you will achieve nothing." - Eric '77
- "Congratulations 2013 Grads!
- Please remember this, 'everyone works the same amount in their lifetime'. If you partied lots while you were young you will work hard the rest of your life. If you studied hard while you were young, you will party the rest of your life. Let the party begin! - John '78"
- Follow your chosen path. Trust predesination. - Richard '79
- My Dad was a practical man. I questioned whether it would be a good use of my time to do post-secondary studies because if I did, it would probably take me at least 5 years to complete. His advice was: "Five years is going to pass anyway, so don't worry about that part." Without telling me what to do, that simple advice surprisingly made the decision much easier. - Teresa '80
- Those who get on in this world sit up and look for the circumstances they want. If they don't find it, they make it. - Ken '80
- At the end of day, ALWAYS be able to look at yourself in the mirror and say: "I have done the best that I can today to help people, work hard at life, respect people, and add value". If you can do that, then you have truly had a good day. - Valerie '81, '87
- Always treat every person you meet in your life with the same dignity and respect you would expect in return. - Dianne '85
- Always consult your heart before any decision, and remember that life is meant to be fun. Seriousness is highly overrated. - Catherine '87
- Never think your learning is over at any age -stay curious! You will never know everything, and lots of things you thought you knew will change. Secondly, never think of yourself as old at any age, old is a state of mind. And lastly, look after your body -it is the only one you get and what you do to it now you will have to live with the rest of your life. There is so much more, but I will just end with CARE -it has so many meanings and will add so much to your life. - Bernadette '88
- Be sure to take the job seriously, but try not to take life too seriously. - Rob '89
- ~Breathe in, breathe out.~ A motivational speaker gave that advice at the School of Accountancy in June 1990; I have always remembered these calming words when life gets crazy. - Tracy '89
- Always follow your heart. Make a promise to yourself to pursue your dreams and then only wonderful things will happen. Always, always believe in yourself and in the special and unique gifts and talents that you possess. - Jacqueline '90
- Save, save, save your money. As much as possible, from Day 1. Go to a financial planner even if you have no money. Get guidance on how to be smart with your money. *** Follow your gut. There are more neurons in your gut than in your head. Being logical is a sure path to failure. Your gut always tells you the truth. *** Don't try to be clever. Strive to be kind. - Sophia '92, '94
- My mum told me one thing all the time, "Read the question carefully." Simple, elegant and translates to the real world. If you don't understand what you're supposed to be doing, you'll never get it right. - Mark '94
- Commit to keep on learning and always with an open mind. - Shirley '95
- There are no short cuts to success... hard work and dedication will always win. - Janet '96
- Just because you're graduating, doesn't mean that you are leaving McMaster behind. Stay involved with Alumni events, join the LinkedIn group, and take advantage of services that are offered to you. They will help with your career transition now and in the future. - Catherine '98
- When you leave university, whether you have landed your dream job or not, take time to get to know yourself again. Your identity has changed; you are no longer a student and that can be a big adjustment in mind set. You will now have time that isn't spent reading/writing/studying. Try many new things and enjoy forming this new you! - Melissa '03
- Negotiation Skills (GOOD negotiation skills) - Edward '04
- Not everyone can be someone but everyone can be themselves. - John '05
- LUCK = PREPARATION + OPPORTUNITY - Maggie '06
- Don't be scared if you graduate and realize you have no idea what you want to do with your life. Sit down. Take a breath. Reflect on what you value, what moves you and what you're good at. Try to find something that balances all three. Regardless of what you choose, every day is an opportunity to refine your decision. Congratulations! - Amanda '06, '07
- Try not to be too disappointed with how things unfold. Everything happens for a reason, as the saying goes. - Christine '07
- In university we hardly take the time to sit and reflect on how we feel about this or that. In fact, we're encouraged to pay closer attention to the logical, that which we can prove... I guess what I'm trying to say is: learn to hear the language of your soul. Know its voice and understand its preferences. You're unique, like it or not; your tastes and desires are unique. Learn them, know them, and fulfill them. And, before I forget, GO MARAUDERS! - Glenn '09
- You will do a lot of serious work during your life, but that doesn't mean you have to take life seriously. Have fun and enjoy what you do! - Bryan '09
- Everyone has a chance in society, just keep your eyes open and look ni places that most people don't. - Jeffrey '09
- Embrace uncertainty and follow opportunity! - Charlotte '10
- Follow your passions. - Brett '10
- The people you surround yourself with can heavily influence you performance and experience. 2) Take pride in your work. - Tahereh '11
- The greatest trick of life is balance, which you can only learn by doing. - Alyssa '12
- Cherish the memories made throughout your time at Mac. Keep your friends close, treasure the experience. Mac will always be one of the most precious times in your life. - Yashodini '12
- If you don't appreciate the small things in life, then you don't deserve the big things...so appreciate the little things! - Eszter '12
- Never stop networking. Whether you are one of the lucky bunch to have been employed before graduation, a graduate, or a first-year in your company, talk to people. Give without expecting anything in return. Stay hungry for connections, McMaster grads! - Camille '13
- Honestly, get involved. It sounds like the biggest cliche and was all I heard when I applied. But it's true. You meet the most wonderful people and learn more than you can in a classroom sometimes. It's worth it. - Ashley '13
- No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep. - Chiara '13
- This is not an end but a beginning to all that is in the world to explore, dream and discover. - Karthiga '13
- Experience Welcome Week and join a club! Socialization is all part of the university experience. Leave your comfort zone and keep learning! - Pamela '13
- 1. Don't compare yourself to others. 2. Seek out people who know more than you do and continually be inspired to know and do more. - Kimberley
- "Knowledge means nothing unless it is converted to wisdom." - I heard this from a taxi driver but suspect that it originated elsewhere. It is good advice for all of us regardless of the path we take. - Judy
- Listen more than you speak. It's amazing what you will hear. - Jen
- Never stop learning. - Christine
- Question everything you're taught! And whatever you believe, be prepared to admit that it's wrong (or at least not totally right ;-) - Gord
- My fellow students, never forget the historic facts and Pet 1. Always preach with a Passion the Truth 2Pet2. And living in the radiance of our glorious hope 2Pet3. And our Lord Jesus will bless your ministry! - John
- Keep your eyes open. Don't miss an opportunity. Be sensible. - Matt & Ann
- Before you get tied down to careers, mortgages and the other details of life, make sure you travel. Whether you can only go for a week or backpack around for 6 months, go someplace outside your comfort zone and experience the world beyond! - Janice
- Know when to keep your mouth shut.
- For safety, cross at the lights on Cootes Drive.
- Appreciate those who love and support you!
- Enjoy the moment, but prepare for the future… you've already started, thanks to Mac!
- Love what you do and you'll be an example to ALL! Be grateful for the wonders of each day and the inspiring people you encounter -young or older!
- Honesty promotes happiness within yourself. Think before you act.
- Always be physically, mentally, spiritually, socially active. Challenge yourself to do something difficult every day.
- To thine own self be true, And it must follow as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false, To any man. -Shakespeare
- A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.
- "I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity an obligation, every passion a duty." - John D. Rockfeller. "Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket, and do not take it out and stick it merely to show that you have one." Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield
- Lead boldy with the courage to do what is right. Set high standards and aim to exceed them. Surround yourself with excellent people. Listen and collaborate. Learn and coach. Celebrate success and find joy in what you do!
- Work hard and don't whine or have a sense of entitlement. The world does not OWE you a living -you EARN that living!
- Follow your dream! Use your talents to serve others. Be gracious and respectful. From Shakespeare - To thine own self, be true.
- I have this quote on my iPad; it's from Emerson. "Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood." Seems rather appropriate for a graduating class.
- People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Be tenacious; when you've just about had it, go right back at it. Above all, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5,6
- Get Up, Suit Up, Show Up. 100% of LIFE continuse to be getting up, suiting up, showing up.
- Your degree major may be minor in your career, while your minor may become your major in life. Embrace change!
- School may be over, but your education never ends; Always thirst for knowledge!
- Figure out what you are really passionate about ASAP. Then pursue it! You will achieve more and enjoy more in doing something you really like.
- Don't compromise your morals under the influence of negative trends in culture, misguided laws, and popular opinions/attitudes in situations where these have the potential of hurting the common good.
- Make your career choices according to how you can serve, not according to how much you earn. You will retire with a smaller pension, but much bigger memories.
- When asked to do something say, 'yes' -at least for the first time you're asked to do it.
- I hope you have enjoyed your McMaster years as much as I did mine!
- Be engaged in as many activities as you can without compromising your scholastic standing, which is your main reason for being at McMaster.
This year, the Alumni Association launched the Good Advice Project inviting the McMaster community to share their advice and words of wisdom with students.
Here's how your advice for the Class of 2013 came to life at Convocation and around campus!
Share a few words of motivation or a tip to help the Class of 2017 find their home at McMaster!
Submit Your Good Advice
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