22 Words for the Class of 2022
This year, we asked members of the Northwestern community to share words of advice with the Class of 2022. Here are just a few of the messages for the newest Northwestern graduates.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Pursue your passions, not fame or money. Truly enjoy your life’s work. Congratulations!”
—Pamela Meyer ’88
“There is so much Purple Pride for what the amazingly resilient Class of 2022 has gone through to get here! Congrats, ’Cats!”
—Judy Yeh ’88
“The ability to listen to your inner voice is a competitive advantage; mimetic conformism and doing what your peers are doing is a path towards commoditization. The world rewards those who bring something unique and novel into existence.”
—Rahul Goel ’19
“Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19). Also, keep learning! Godspeed!”
—Matt Baron ’90
“In your 20s, dream big. In your 30s, plant roots. In your 40s, watch them grow. The rest takes care of itself.”
—Rayhan Daudani ’99
“If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re not challenging yourself enough. Seek jobs that you’re not sure you can do and friends who have something to teach you. One day, you’ll look back and realize you’ve led an interesting life.”
—Lara Svendsen ’05
“Be kind, be considerate, be authentic. Listen more than you talk. Have a genuine interest in the people you work and play with. Think first about how you can help others before yourself. Give more than you take. Life will be sweet.”
—Katherine Weeks ’82
“Never forget—you lived to tell the tale. We see you, and we love you. So proud of the Class of 2022!”
—Sandy Sifferlen ’92
“Learn to settle for what’s good enough. No one cares about you. You will be judged by what you do for others.”
—Don Walsh ’03
“Congrats, graduate! You must know yourself, grow yourself, and see value in yourself and others to add value to self and others.”
—Harry Lehew ’64
“Laugh a lot. Say yes to new experiences. Believe in second chances for yourself and others. Look for the signs and follow them.”
—Monica Majewski ’97
“Don’t be so committed to a specific path that you are afraid to take a different one when you have the chance.”
—Cherry Krsticevic ’81
“Your time at Northwestern is the foundation for future successes. The relationships built here will be with you for decades to come.”
—Chris Gentilviso ’09