Campus & Beyond Words of Wisdom, from Alumni to the Class of 2025 Stories You May Like Flying High: Sophomore Is a Rising Star in the Birding World Like a Fine Vintage, Iconic Wines Class Is Aging Splendidly Fine, Feathered, Fascinating Facts about the Lab of Ornithology We asked you to share your advice for this year’s graduates—and on topics from career to travel to self-confidence, you delivered By Beth Saulnier What do you wish someone had told you when you were graduating from Cornell and being launched into the world? That’s the question we asked readers to ponder in advance of this year’s Commencement. The many thoughtful responses we received offered insights on how to approach a job search; the importance of seeing the world and getting involved in civic life; the value of doing well by doing good; and much more. (And OK, there was that one alum who offered a one-sentence suggestion: “Don’t take generic advice from people who graduated a long time ago.” Well played, sir; you made us chuckle.) Then-President Frank H.T. Rhodes presides over Commencement ’84. The following are selections from the responses: the collected wisdom of Cornellians to the newest crop of alumni. They’re interspersed with vintage Commencement photos from the 1970s and ’80s—images that have been stored on slides in the University Library’s Rare and Manuscript Collections for decades, and are only now being widely shared. (Do you have some advice to add? Or do you recognize someone—or yourself!—in the photos? Let us know in the comments!) “Very few of us are doing what we thought we’d be doing when we graduated, so don’t worry about what your first job is; odds are it won’t be what your last job is.” — Don Young ’70 “They often say ‘life is short’—but the truth is, life is long. You don’t need to worry about choosing the career of your life now. The next decade is the best time for you to try as many new things as possible, build on a wide set of skills, cultivate relationships and mentors, try a side hustle, read a lot books, live abroad, and apply your talents to what you value most. The following decade, you’ll have everything you need to create your own career.” — Vicki Johnson ’01 “As you leave the University environment, opportunities and activities that have been so easily available at Cornell may become harder to find. It might be a hobby, or a non-academic skill that you have been honing. But look hard in the community that you are going to, or start a group with people who share your interest. At some point, life might necessitate you put away these things for some years—but keep an eye out for opportunities to enjoy them again.” — Teresa Fung ’91, MS ’94 “Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.” — Uvika Sharma, MBA ’10 “Purpose, identity, relationships: these are three crucial components of meaningful existence. These need to be considered as one is embarking on a career, and really the rest of one’s life, including retirement!” — Bruce Grund ’74 “You are the bomb. You are among the best in this world. Believe in yourself. Be bold—yet kind, nice, and encouraging. Believe in yourself and go out there and show the world who you are and where you come from.” — Carol Killiebrew ’92 Purpose, identity, relationships: these are three crucial components of meaningful existence. Bruce Grund ’74 “Spend two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. Learn about and experience another culture, and help make the world a better place.” — Michael Hirsh ’66 Stories You May Like Flying High: Sophomore Is a Rising Star in the Birding World Like a Fine Vintage, Iconic Wines Class Is Aging Splendidly “Trust your gut. It is your North Star and will always lead you in the right direction. Rather than casting a wide net to find a job, get specific and focused, based on what lights you up—not what seems like a good idea or what others advise you to do. Employers want to know you are not only qualified, but enthusiastic. Interview them every bit as much as they interview you.” — Sharon Hoffman, MS ’88 “Get involved with local and state government!” — David Sheffield ’55, BArch ’60, MRP ’61 “Find a career that you are passionate about. The money rewards will come as you pursue your passions. Never stop learning—and always learn how to do the next job that you want to get, while doing the one you have.” — Jan Versteeg Olson ’76 “My advice would be what they told us at Orientation: ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’” — Hannah Mathers ’86 “Be curious. Our ability to change the future far outstrips our ability to change the past. Lead with vulnerability, embrace with trust. Love well and often.” — Doug Young ’85 My advice would be what they told us at Orientation: ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ Hannah Mathers ’86 “Communicate. Treat others as you want to be treated. Always look at the big picture when making or analyzing a decision. Be truthful, no matter how hard that may seem in the short run.” — Charlie Kentnor ’64, BME ’65 “Written goals and weekly accountability dramatically increase the likelihood of goal achievement.” — Peter Chatel ’78 “Stay in touch with Cornell! I’ve made friends whom I did not know on campus, and I have enjoyed many fantastic experiences with Cornellians around the world, just by being an active member of alumni groups.” — Jeanne Brown Sander ’66 “The important thing you take away from your time here is that you have learned how to learn. You should now be confident that you are capable of acquiring any skill. There is no such thing as clever people—only those who have the confidence and determination to take on a challenge.” — Donald Cameron, MS ’63 (All photos courtesy of Rare and Manuscript Collections.) Published May 1, 2025 What's your advice for the Class of 2025? Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. 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