As you now may know I have finished my undergraduate education at Oregon State University. The only thing left on my to-do list is walking at graduation. The past four years has been an absolute blessing. I have had the opportunity to do so many things, none of which could have been achieved without my family, friends and loved ones.
I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to follow my passion, and even more blessed to have had the support of the people around me. Over the past four years I have learned, it isn’t the amount of times you have heard “no” that dictate where you end up in life, but the amount of times you refute in saying “no is not going to work for me”.
Looking back at who I was four years ago, I can honestly say, I had no idea I would end up here, but certainly had wished I would. I am so proud to be heading into an industry I believe in, at a company I am passionate about, and I am so happy to have trimmed the fat of my surroundings and now have a circle of loved ones I consider family on all levels.
College isn’t just an education in textbooks and exams, it is a foundation for life and what you want to do with it. If there is any advice I would pass on to those stepping into the first of four years, it would be, don’t quit -not even for a second. Be smart about the stupid choices you make in life, and deliver your happiness from the opportunities you make for yourself. Give thanks when you can and always keep in mind what others have done for you. Don’t get in your own way, if fear of failure strikes, find the courage to shake it and forge onward.
Take time to laugh, because you won’t survive otherwise.
Love, Grishley.
