An Echo Press Editorial: Bits of advice for 572 graduates

A total of 572 students from the Alexandria Technical and Community College graduated Wednesday.

That’s a hefty number – more than 4% of Alexandria’s population.

We hope many of them will stick around the Douglas County area or return here after creating great memories of their times at Alexandria College.

More than 21% of the ATCC graduates who went into the workforce (did not continue education) chose to work in Douglas County, according to college leaders.

It’s uplifting to see so many Alexandria College graduates from across the country who choose to start their careers in our area. We know there are also a lot of graduates who leave the area for a while but later return.

The ATCC Class of 2022 has a bright future ahead of them.

They graduated with a relatively low debt load – averaging about $12,000. If the past is any indication, they will find jobs quickly – the college has a placement rate of 98% – and many of the graduates are pursuing jobs in high demand. Among the hot career paths right now are welding, law enforcement, nursing and powersports. For more information about these college graduates, see our related news story.

We wish the graduates a successful transition from college to the workforce. We scoured the internet for some sage advice and found these quotes:

"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." – Fred DeVito.

"If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren't willing to do." – Michael Phelps.

"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis.

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take." – Wayne Gretzky."Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." – Henry David Thoreau.

“You already have everything you need inside of you right now, today.” – Alicia Keys.

"Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." – Chadwick Boseman.

"All those adults that you used to think were in charge and knew what they were doing? It turns out they don’t have all the answers. A lot of them aren’t even asking the right questions. So, if the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you." – Barack Obama.

“There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela.

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” – Oprah Winfrey.

“Yes, there will be pitfalls, mountains and glass ceilings, but you're going to get across it.” – Debbie Allen.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

"There are no regrets in life – just lessons." – Jennifer Aniston.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." – Confucius.

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare.

"There may be days when you’ll say to yourself, ‘I can’t. I literally can’t even.’ But you can! You can even!" – Katie Couric.

And here are two final pieces of advice from two instructors at the ATCC:

“Approach each day with joy and intentionally demonstrate your gratitude. – Joni Jacobson, Early Childhood Education instructor.

“Be grateful every day for what you have and look for ways to support others in their journey. Show up each day for your career, your family, and your community, ready to do your best. Go out of our way to help and when you are struggling, be brave enough to seek help. And of course, be an ambassador for Alexandria College. – Rondi Wussow, Early Childhood Education instructor.

Best of wishes, Alexandria College graduates!