thirtydegree

On this day in 1997, the words that were immortalised by Baz Luhrmann “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” are 14 years old. The original article appeared in the Chicago Tribune entitled, “Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young”. The author, Mary Schmich set out to write a fictitious graduation speech. “Most of us, will never be invited to sow our words of wisdom among an audience of caps and gowns”.

She invited her readership to do the same, 14-years later we take up that mantle and the #sunscreenchallenge was born. Each blogger spent 1-hour creating a graduation speech. Essentially, it’s the advice that they’d pass onto school leavers today based on their own life experience.

Twitter users: If you’ve enjoyed the blog – please RT the post, include the #sunscreenchallenge tag and find other blog posts using this hashtag. #sunscreenchallenge

Never Let Go

Some moments stay with you as fresh as the minute they happened.  Memories of high school days weren’t filled with happiness, more dread at schoolground taunting about my sexuality.  That only made me stronger.

I had a dream.  It was to be successful at what I’m good at.  Unfortunately my teachers’ opinions differed to mine in terms of career path.  Walking into the guidance counsellors office is a memory as fresh as yesterday.  Sitting down to be told I don’t have an aptitude for numbers and I would not be able to take accounting classes was like having your dream snatched from before your eyes.

There’s a fire that burns deep.  I swore at that moment that I wouldn’t allow my dream to die.  I knew I had no chance of being able to attend class during school, so I studied at nightschool after I matriculated (finished school) whilst studying a marketing qualification during the daytime.  Six years of schooling compressed into six months and a C grade national diploma later I was admitted into university where I studied my accounting qualification.

It never dies.  Even at the times when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, reliving that initial moment is enough to give you the push you need to go on.  I’m currently stuyding ACCA (chartered accountancy) and there are moments I want to pack it all in but I remember my dream.

Give it all.  I’m not be the best accountant out there but I know my stuff.  I’ll put my hands up when I’m wrong or make a mistake.  Give your very best every time you do something, never a rushed or half job.  Second best doesn’t cut it.

Be a dreamer.  Take time out to stare at the clouds.  It keeps your dream alive and gives you the opportunity to reflect on where you’ve come from and see the where you’re headed.

Dreams never die, they only fade away…