Keep this piece of paper somewhere where you’ll read it every day. Keep it next to your computer, your refrigerator, or your wallet. This is the simplest request you’ll ever be able to follow through on.

You made grades, you're where you want to be. Now what...

Sit somewhere quiet and ask yourself this question. If I could do anything as a career, anything at all, what would it be? Don’t stop asking yourself until you find the answer. If you’re not on the dream career path, stop what you’re doing and take another road. Think out of the box. 9am-5pm isn’t for everyone, neither is being an artist. Settle into what brings you joy and meaning. Bigger isn’t always better. If you don’t know what you love, try a little of a lot of things. Pu Pu platter your way through a few years. You’ll figure it out.

Doing the right thing gives you the kind of protection that no bodyguard can give you.-Maya Angelou. Be straight with yourself and with people. This may not get you the biggest house on the block, but it will earn you the best sleep. There’s nothing worse than having that dark cloud over your head always wondering if someone is going to find out who you really are. Making a habit of doing the right thing allows you to focus your energy on things that matter instead of covering your tracks or watching your back. Honesty requires courage, build that muscle.

Define success for yourself. Actually write it down. I will consider myself successful if______________. Don’t let TV, society or your parents define it for you. Shows on TV are dog doo. Magazines are dog doo. People you see on media are airbrushed, both them and their stories. Hec, your friends’ portrayal of themselves on their own FB is airbrushed! They’re only showing you their highlight reel. Measuring your life against someone else’s is futile. Let your success markers will guide your decision making.

Know that what is happening now is preparing you for what’s around the corner. No moment is wasted. Your life is forming just the way it should. You will need each lesson from today to prepare you for tomorrow. Pay attention.

Be a kind person and a kind leader. People who motivate by fear are weak, easily forgotten and minimally impactful over time. If you want to have an impact, be kind and thoughtful. If your energy comes from a place of kindness, your teachings and influence will last far longer than your walk on earth. Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away. I’d put money on the fact that you can remember the last kind thing someone said to you.

Get in tune with your instincts. Follow them. Each of us has an inner voice that can act as a guiding light if we allow it. What does GOOD feel like to you? What does BAD feel like to you? The strife and confusion usually come when we cloud our inner voice. Going against your gut usually manifests in physical feelings such as sweaty palms, a racing heart, back pain, a queasy stomach. Pay attention to your body, it’s always communicating to you.

Have Fun. Literally. We are here to enjoy and bring joy.

Guys!!! I enjoyed being with you so much. I am always available to you if or any of your organizations. I am just so happy to have met you all.

All my best, Catia