Lifeplan Institute | 10 Million Teenagers in 10 Years: Graduation and All That It Means

Anatole France said it well: "To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only dream, but also believe."

To dream, believe and achieve is at the very heart of Lifeplan. For many of the young people going through Lifeplan, it is the first time someone has actually asked them what their dreams are.

To share your dreams with others is an extraordinary bonding experience. But to then share in building an actual "game plan" to achieve them is even more impactful in recognizing that together this band of "Lifeplanners" is its own potent network.

So as the graduation season is again upon us, we can celebrate this annual rite of passage with the satisfaction of knowing that these young people are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In Lifeplan, I often invite the young people to find a quote that best reflects the insight they have gained from the Lifeplan program. The following are examples of these and should inspire all of us in recognizing what dreams, courage and a game plan can mean to a young person.

Thoreau shared, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." To which this young person added, "I am going to live my dreams!"

Another person chose Churchill's take on "speed bumps." "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

Another chose Walt Disney's "Your dreams can come true...if you have the courage to pursue them." And this young person added, "and if you have a Lifeplan!"

One of my favorites a student chose that reflects on having values you live by, was from Emerson, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."

This student shared another from Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Finally, one of my all time favorites that should be a clarion call to us all was chosen from Mahatma Gandhi, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."And I would add, never stop growing your Lifeplan, believe in yourself, and as Kate would say, "Speak your truth and then speak it again, even louder."

And Kate's Latin students all understand, "Carpe Diem!" Seize the day. For it is yours and stands as a symbol for all you've worked hard to accomplish, and thus be prepared for a grand future.

Happy Graduation!

All the best,
Andy