Unabated > Uncertain
Letter To The Class of 2020
First and foremost, congratulations. You deserve to be celebrated. You deserve to be showered in love and support. You have defied the odds and for that, you deserve much recognition.
Three years ago today, I walked across that stage in front of my classmates, friends, and family. I have always been ambitious, so reaching my goal alongside my Florida A&M University community was a huge accomplishment that meant the world to me. I know you feel the same.
COVID-19 has affected us all in unprecedented ways, and I am saddened that you have been stripped of the chance to share that same experience. The world is different. We are being asked to social distance, take extra precaution, work from home and be patient. I hope that you all are remaining positive and managing to do all of these things, even while your excitement about the future has transformed into uncertainty.
Specifically, being patient. I recall counting down the days until I graduated, not knowing where my journey to success would take me next. I had gone on several job interviews throughout the course of my senior year and although I had a few job offers, I had not committed to a specific situation because nothing felt quite right. If anyone is going through this, I know that the road is uncertain and tough; but I urge you to be patient — Everything you desire will come to fruition as long as you work hard and have faith in your capabilities.
Organizations have frozen their hiring processes, removed job openings, and / or slowed down their conversations with potential recruits such as yourself. If this has happened to you, I urge you to not be discouraged. Find peace in this current situation and if you have it in you, take this time to continue educating yourself and polishing your skills — Get better at something. We are all in this together.
To everyone that has solidified their next steps and is ready to embark on a new journey, I wish you the best of luck on all your future endeavors. Let your solid footing in these uncertain times serve as first of all, a blessing. More importantly, let it serve as an inspiration to always be appreciative for what you have, fuel to maximize each opportunity and wisdom to continue looking to the future. Transitioning straight from your university into your career is a blessing and you will do great things with what has been bestowed on you. You are entering a playing field that has never been dominated before so not everyone will be able to provide insight on how to navigate or be successful. It is imperative that you provide value from day one and shine the light on what is to be our path forward — You will do great, stay focused.
As I enter my third year anniversary of my graduation date, I am still learning and growing. I, like yourselves, am in a unique situation — Following a few successful stints at a few different organizations, I transitioned into working in the professional sports space full-time. Before my first NBA season was complete, COVID-19 forced all live events into limbo. Oddly enough, the NBA postponing its season indefinitely was the first major domino to fall here in the United States.
Although the actual end of this pandemic and a return to normalcy is uncertain, I have not lost faith or my sense of optimism. I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. I have taken this time to reconnect with old contacts, network with peers within the industry, and gain more knowledge / skill sets that will separate myself when things are back to normal — I urge you to do the same. Find pockets of productivity each day. Do not lose faith and be ready when the time comes for you to perform.
I am with you and we are in this together. Congratulations to you once again and please feel free to reach out if you need any encouragement throughout these times. We will emerge from this unconquered and unabated.
