Cyndi's Two Cents

Life advice

Commentary.

Facebook and other social media platforms have lately been populated with prom pictures.  College graduations have taken place and others soon will.  FFA Banquets have been held.  High school seniors will soon toss their caps into the air and step into the next chapter of their lives.

It’s become customary this time of year for me to share some advice in this column with soon-to-be-newly-minted high school and college graduates.  Sometimes the simple and seemingly insignificant thought or action can have the most significant impact on one’s future.

Use your words wisely.  It was good advice my parents offered all those years ago when they told us we should think before we speak and use proper terminology.

Tell the truth.  A white lie is still a lie. Stealing a $2 pack of gum is still stealing. Educate yourself before you make claims that are unsubstantiated.

Vote.  In every election.  A county commissioner can have as much impact on your daily life as the president of the United States of America.

Own your mistakes.  Life is a series of successes and failures. Both make you who you are.

Be a team player.   I learn more from working with people whose views differ from mine than from working only with like-minded individuals.  Imagine what a boring and unproductive world it would be if we all agreed on everything all the time.

Do not sacrifice your moral principles for anyone or any reason.  Sadly, in my lifetime I have seen integrity decay.  Many Americans are spoiled rotten. What a few years ago would have been labeled a behavioral problem is accepted behavior today. Narcissism, lack of sympathy, and questionable morals seems to be considered normal.

There are good old boy and then there are good, old boys.  Learn to know the difference.  Not all good old boys are boys.  Some are women.

Finish what you start.  Don’t smoke. Take care of your teeth.

Many people want instant gratification. They don’t want to have to work hard to earn anything. There is an undercurrent of distrust and disrespect among the citizenry that I don’t remember feeling when I was younger. People are not only suspicious of lawmakers and others in positions of authority; they are suspicious of one another.

You represent the generation that can right the ship.  You can change it.

In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to 16 different countries to cover agriculture stories for Midwestern farmers.  I’ve visited more farms and agricultural companies in the past 3 decades than I can count.  There was a time when I was so busy trying to get an interview so I could file a story that I missed out on the experience.

My final piece of advice:  Don’t get so caught up in what lies ahead that you miss out on the journey.  Enjoy the ride.