For nearly four months my mind was racing. What could I possible say to these kids? I finally decided to talk about my experience and, quite frankly, the truth.
I talked about my lackluster academic performance in high school and how my graduation ceremony 20 years earlier was my turning point. How I made a commitment to myself that from that point on I would no longer give average efforts. That accomplishment without effort is not rewarding.
Since that speech back in May I've talked to a multitude of people that have had similar turning points. The bottom line is for each of us at some point there's a realization in our life that now's the time to get serious.
With unemployment at record highs I know there are many heading back to school. We have those finishing high school and college, but there's also a large group heading back to school for the first time in many years. You're in the process of reinventing yourself, making yourself more competitive in this market. Congratulation to you! Your hard work will be rewarded.
Below are some excerpts from my speech to those kids, including my Five Words for Success.
Do you want to be successful? The first step is to "define your success." Not everybody's level of success is the same. Let's get one thing straight: money is not an indicator of success. There are a lot of miserable rich people.
In order for you to determine your success you must first have a goal, hopefully many goals.I want to touch on five words. I found understanding these five words and applying them will have a profound impact on your life.
Goals - You cannot be successful without goals. You need 10 year, five year, yearly, monthly and daily goals. When you're constantly achieving your goals, redefine them. Raise the bar. Continually expect more from yourself.
Plans - If your goal is to go to Florida for Spring Break then plan the roadmap to get there. Goals are extremely difficult to achieve without a proper plan. Life will throw you roadblocks so stick to the plan.
Commitment - It's hard, if not impossible, to break a man that understands commitment. You must be committed to your goals and plans, working daily on them.
Sacrifice - Few good things in life come without sacrifice. It may mean you're in the dorm studying while your friends are out partying. You might be working a full time job to pay your way through school.
A side note regarding sacrifice; understand the difference between want and need. Financially, if you spend the next few years spending on what you need versus what you want you will be in a much stronger position when it matters most.
I can tell you right now, nobody graduating needs that new sports car. It's a want. Buy what you need now so that your wants will be easier to achieve later. When your opportunity knocks you'll ready.
Passion - It doesn't matter what you decide to do in life. If you are passionate about what you do, you will succeed. Find a field that you are passionate about. If it does not excite you to go to work in the morning find a new job. You cannot enjoy the rest of your life if you don't enjoy your job. The best of the best doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics, soldiers, writers, economists, fathers, mothers, all have one single thing in common: passion.
Classes are offered in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, gymnastics and social dance for ages three and a half through adult, including competition teams.
Owner Carlotta Sika Hutch recently celebrated 50 years teaching at Sika School of Dancing. Also on staff are her daughter Shelley Sika Palmer and granddaughter Leah Palmer, as well as Jana Warren, Nikki Nesbit and several assistant teachers. All the teachers attend conventions and workshops each year, training under some of the finest dance teachers in the country.
Dance is a healthy activity, building strong bodies and minds, and providing an outlet for the energy that comes built into every child. The kids who dance are off the street and away from video games, focusing on an art form that will ultimately make them smarter, more well-rounded adults. Through dance they learn large and small motor skills, self-discipline, rhythm, grace, social interaction, balance and poise, and have the opportunity to perform what they have learned on stage at the end of the year.
Adult classes are very popular and steadily growing, offering exercise, fun and friendship. Many adults either danced as children and are getting back into it when they bring their own children to class, or always wanted to dance, and are just now doing something for themselves.
Class prices are affordable, and monthly payments may be made throughout the school year. The studio is air-conditioned, with hardwood floors, and age-appropriate music, movements and costumes are used. Class sizes are limited to allow each student individual attention, and parent visitations are offered several times over the course of the year so that parents may view their child's progress.
The Sika School of Dancing annual show will be May 22, 2010 at downtown Muskegon's Frauenthal Theater. It is open to all of our students (pre-school through adults) to participate. Classes start the week of Labor Day. Call (231) 744-1430 or visit our website at www.sikadance.com for more information.
The Muskegon/Oceana Consortium Michigan Works! Agency has six Workforce Development Centers (WDCs) located throughout the two counties to provide services to employers and workers right within their own neighborhood. All WDCs offer a full array of employment and training services.
If you need assistance with employment recruitment, screening, or referral services a local WDC can help. Each WDC is a full service employment center, which also provides access to the Michigan Talent Bank. Each WDC offers assessment, testing, job counseling, tax credit screening, TAA/NAFTA services, and job placement assistance.
If you are in need of training for your workforce, or you are an individual looking to upgrade your skills, the WDC can help. All WDCs offer access to On-the-Job Training (OJT) Services, basic and remedial education, and skilled training. If you need a customized training program for your workforce, the WDC can arrange that for you too.
Generally, services are at no charge to employers or job seekers and are supported, in part, by funding from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, through your local Workforce Development Board and County Board of Commissioners.
Visit or call your nearest WDC.
- Family Services WDC, 1516 Peck Street in Muskegon, (231) 726-2626.
- Goodwill WDC, 950 West Norton Avenue, Suite C in Muskegon, (231) 739-9010.
- Muskegon Heights WDC, 160 E. Barney Street in Muskegon Heights, (231) 830-3382.
- Oceana Employment and Training WDC, 195 N. Michigan Avenue in Shelby, (231) 861-2073.
- Orchard View WDC, now at 2389 E. Laketon Avenue in Muskegon, (231) 760-1999.
- White Lake WDC, 541 E. Slocum Street in Whitehall, (231) 893-1091.