USD EVENT MANAGEMENT COMMENCEMENT
November 16, 2006
I’d like to share a story of my own – that seems appropriate to today’s commencement.
A few weeks ago, I was honored at a dinner for the “Women Who Mean Business Awards”. With almost 800 people in attendance, a speaker was introduced mid-way through our meal and given 10 minutes to share her wisdom. I can’t imagine a more difficult assignment – or one with more opportunity to fail.The speaker was Deborah Szekely, the founder of Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door Spa. Many would say that she and her husband, Edmond were the founders of the spa industry as we know it today. As Deborah walked to the podium, the room became quite and at the graceful age of 84, she began to share her story.
I would like to share with you her message – because during those 10 minutes, along with everyone else in the room, I again was a student – and she was our teacher. What was so amazing to me was that her lesson was heard by every person there, regardless of age, gender or profession.
Deborah shared her life-lesson, as viewed from her vantage point – as an octogenarian who still works every day for the joy of it.
The message she shared that night was this –
Our lives are a reflection of our time. . . most importantly, the management of our time. She shared these simple steps which I’d like to share with you tonight.
Each week –
5 pencils in different colors –
Review your past week and do this:
- Draw a black line through something you did, that if you had the opportunity to live that week over, you wouldn’t spend your time doing. This is something that simply was not worth your time or that you could have delegated.
- Take another colored pencil and circle what it is that you did that was a LEARNING EXPERIENCE – something that broadened your knowledge or appreciation.
- Next, take another color pencil and circle what you did to invest in your PERSONAL HEALTH and WELL-BEING – for this is an investment in your future
- The next pencil will circle what you did for your COMMUNITY – how you improved someone’s life. It can be small, it can be big, but giving of yourself is a responsibility and a privilege.
- Lastly, choose your favorite color – and circle what you did with those you love the most. This means time spent with FRIENDS AND FAMILY. . . for it is at the end of a life, the time you spent with the people you love most that will define the life you lead.
I share Deborah’s message with you tonight – because her life experiences far exceed mine. Over a period of 60 years, she built a business and launched an empire with her husband and family at her side. The lessons she shared with us that night, are lessons that each of us have an opportunity to embrace at a tender age.
You have studied and worked hard to earn your degree in Event Management – and I can assure you that this career path is one that will bring you great satisfaction and professional fulfillment. As you move now into the practical stages of your career development, I urge you to consider this concept as a way of building your own legacy.
Never stop being a student –
Never believe that you know all there is to know –
Never fool yourself that the experience you acquire will see you through the many challenges you’ll face – your experience will simply be a tool and your commitment will be your strength.
I was honored to sit in that audience that night – I was humbled by the wisdom of this woman – and I was inspired to take her teaching and to learn from her lessons.
Congratulations to each of you – I wish you all the success you deserve and I wish you most importantly, a life well lived.
