Class Quotes: Alumni and Commencement
Got Advice for the Class of 2022?
In advance of this spring’s Commencement, we asked the hive mind—ok, the social media mind—of the University community to share their wisdom as the Class of 2022 steps out into the postgraduate world.
We prompted those who follow the University’s LinkedIn site, the University’s Alumni Relations Facebook page, and the University’s Facebook page to offer a bit of advice for the newest members of the University’s alumni community.
Featured here is a small selection of the sage advice. Thanks to everyone who took part.
“This may be the end of one journey, but it’s also the beginning of a much larger journey. As you’re working toward your next step, be kind to yourself if things don’t go exactly as you hope or plan. Finding your way can be very hard and very frustrating. In 10 years, you may find yourself somewhere entirely unexpected. Be OK with that. In the meantime, stay true to yourself, don’t give up, and be sure to enjoy where you are.”
—Nick Rollins ’02, ’09M (MS), who studied biomedical engineering and medical statistics. He currently is a senior data analyst at booking.com and lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“Life is short. Do what you love and be open to new opportunities.”
—Bonni Thousand ’17, ’20N (MS), who is now a health care administrator
“Never take things too seriously, but never take anything for granted.”
—Bo Wang ’10. A biomedical engineering major, Bo is a lead vehicle optical engineer at the electric vehicle company Rivian.
“Don’t forget to look away from your screen, put down your phone, turn off your device, and make personal connections with others through heartfelt conversation and active listening. With all the reliance we have on technology for communication, there is still no substitute for in-person human contact, conversation, and relationships that exist outside of our virtual worlds.”
—Alison Miller ’93, an English major. Under the pen name Allie Boniface, she’s the author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Drake Isle series.
“Who you are and what brings you fulfillment will evolve over time. Don’t be afraid to change direction.”
—Susan Davidson Chavanne ’91. A political science major, Susan says she returned to school to get a BS in nursing.
“I would advise you to look up The Final Analysis by Mother Teresa. That would be my prime directive to you. The second would be to live your life with curiosity and with passion. If you can combine these recommendations, you will have lived a complete life.”
—Stephen Strum ’64, who is a physician with his own practice in Nevada City, California
“I will paraphrase a (University graduate) colleague who gave me the best advice ever: ‘It is not the destination but the journey that is priceless.’”
—Maria Aguirre Vanni ’90, ’97 (MS), who is the president of Cornerstone Product Development Services
“We all know our weaknesses and we are all working on improving those aspects of us. But do you know your strengths? Building on your strengths and using them to your advantage in achieving goals is as important as trying to overcome your shortcomings.”
—Joanne Lim ’14M (PhD), who is an immunology scientist at Codiak BioSciences
“Don’t fear failure or making mistakes. Learn from them.”
—Erika Flowers-Johnson ’98. A psychology major at Rochester, Erika is now a human resources executive.
“Wherever you are in your journey, never stop learning. Graduation is just the next step. You will learn more about who you are, what you want, and how to get it as long as you keep an open mind, welcome possibilities, and search for the parts of life that make you happy!”
—Leslie Van Blaha ’00, a high school science teacher in Germantown, Maryland
“Don’t listen to folks who say something can’t be done. Everything is possible, and anything can be made better and more beautiful. Oh, and don’t forget to floss.”
—Craig Dubitsky ’87. An economics major, Craig is the founder of Hello products
“It’s okay to panic, everyone feels the same.”
—Zheng (Florence) Huang ’20S (MS), who is currently an associate analyst at Moody’s Investors Service
“Your next interview isn’t your last interview. Your next job isn’t your final job. This career might not be your next career. Don’t let work define you, don’t get stuck. This is a long journey, embrace change in your life and in yourself.”
—Anthony Bagnetto ’01, an English and psychology major, is currently the director of development for a nonprofit organization.
“You cannot change the world by playing it safe, ignoring history, and avoiding differing points of view. The key to a better world is respect for people who look and think differently than you do.”
—Cos DiMaggio ’80, ’82 (MS), who is the president of the software company BrainGu
“Write your own story. Expect edits.”
—Dan Sinnett ’05, who studied geological sciences and went on to Stanford for a PhD. Currently he works for the clinical research company Emmes.
“What will make you better tomorrow is to take today and own it. Thank those that need to be thanked, hug those that need to be hugged, hug yourself—you need one more than others sometimes. Drink every moment of today in, because the memories and experience, the person that you are that you take from your time at the University of Rochester are preparing the final draft today, and you have a long journey ahead of you. And each day is a day to be ever better.”
—Jeremy Sliwoski ’07 (T5), who studied mathematics, philosophy, and the performing arts. He’s an actuarial analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield. He lives in Vermont, but his original hometown is Rochester, New Hampshire.
“Meliora, of course. Strive for ever better!”
—David Burkhardt ’88, a software engineer who works at Skyworks
“Do what you love and love what you do every day.”
—Nina Bardwaj Casaverde ’98. A molecular genetics major at Rochester, Nina is now a pediatric dentist.
“For graduates with limited work experience and applying for a job: your life experiences count too. Every obstacle and conflict you have successfully navigated has given you transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace too. Identify what yours are and use them.”
—Ana Gonzalez Laucirica ’14S (MBA), who is a brand manager for SmartyPants Vitamins
