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Holton: Look at future as 'glass half full' Commencement speaker urges University of Mary Washington graduates to travel and volunteer during the economic downturn
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BY JEFF BRANSCOME
Virginia first lady Anne Holton asked University of Mary Washington graduates yesterday to embrace the "glass-half-full way of looking at life." That means finding opportunities in the nation's worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, said Holton, UMW's commencement speaker. "You are moving on to a new adventure, and you're moving on at a time when, well, let's just say it's not the easiest job market we've seen in the last 50 years," said Holton, the wife of Gov. Tim Kaine. She suggested traveling, volunteering or both. "You all still know how to travel on next to nothing," she said. "You're used to living four to a room. You know how to eat Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner." "When you're not yet tied down to your long-term career, you can afford to do a little traveling. You can afford to volunteer." Jobs will come later, she said. "Look for opportunities to grow, to give and to share the adventures that are going to open up before you," Holton said. Some UMW graduates said that they're already considering alternatives to full-time employment. John Bowers, who received his degree in economics, said one company told him it would love to hire him. Problem is, they don't have the money. "It's making me re-evaluate what I want to do and where I want to go," he said. He plans to move back in with his parents in Harrisonburg, and said he's considering graduate school in business. He said he thinks the economy will turn around in a year or so. "It's just one of those fun times when nothing's available," he said. Ali Meier, who double-majored in studio art and art history, said she hopes to take classes at the University of Cincinnati after she moves to Ohio. She has applied for several jobs, with no luck. For now, she plans to be a diving coach in Cincinnati. "I'm not looking for anything serious right now," Meier said. "I'm applying for pretty much anything." Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Some say the glass is half full, some say it is half empty. At this point, I say, lets put some bourbon in it.
Hello, Jeff.
I noticed your report online about the commencement
message delivered to UMW graduates.
Although I live in North Carolina, I'd like to offer a few more
words to Anne Holton's advice:
1.) Look at the world around you. Whatever you see that
needs to be done--go out and do it.
2.) You may have to get a non-professional job on the side
to get started.
3.) The company you're looking for may be your own.
4.) Smile.
Carey Rowland, author of Glass half-Full
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