About Dunwoody reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 20??-current | View Entire Issue (May 31, 2013)
EDUCATION You can make all the difference CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Pay attention as you go through life; the most power ful lessons to help you be successful are around you ev ery day. Here are a few that have helped me, and I hope they can help you as you enter the next exciting chapter of your life... whatever that my look like. If Not Me, Who? If Not Now, When? Ask yourself this; it helps you step up and speak up when you need to. This has guided me through life — just as it did my mom. You Define You. Never forget where you came from, but remember, you are not solely defined by your cir cumstances or your history; you can reinvent yourself many times over if needed. Look at my story — nothing about my background would suggest I would have end ed up where I did. I created my own narrative. I be lieved my mom when she said, “You can do anything.” Not only did I believe her, but I helped others believe it too. No Borders No Boundaries. When I was 19, I was asked to go open the company’s first restaurant in Aus tralia. I had never been out of the state of Florida, had never been on a plane (or any other type of mass tran sit for that matter), and of course, I did not have a pass port. But none of that stopped me. I said yes, and then figured it out. The only boundaries to your growth and experiences are those you mentally put up, or those you allow others to put upon you. “It doesn’t matter how smart you are, how much money you have, or what a great school you go to; if you can’t build meaningful relationships and work well with others to influence them, your other attributes can only go so far.” -KATCOLE Be Curious. Have a Constant Pursuit of Educa tion, and Have a Bias for Action. The most creative and accomplished people I know have this in common. They are constantly learning at every opportunity; they know they don’t know it all. They ask, “why, how, why not?” And, when they get the answers, they share what they learn and do something about it. Your mind is something others can never take away — feed it. Volunteer. Give. For the job, for the community, for those in need. We all need a hand up some times, and giving of yourself is one of the best ways to learn, grow, meet people and make a difference. The reason I was asked to open that first international restaurant was be cause I raised my hand to help with jobs others didn’t want. After about a year, I had worked every job in the building. Who knew that would make me the top can didate for international travel, which ultimately would change my life. Life is most about relationships — if nothing else. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, how much money you have, or what a great school you go to; if you can’t build meaningful relationships and work well with oth ers to influence them, your other attributes can only go so far. Even the coolest inventions and biggest compa nies founded by one person only grew because of the team they pulled together, and you can only lead when others want to be on your team. Be kind, take pride in helping others, and keep your word. Remember, you never know... seriously... life is full of surprises (and kar ma), so try to be your best self at every opportunity. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am without so many great people who have been kind to me and helped me along the way. There are others, but time and space won’t allow them all to be shared here. So keep these final two contrast ing points in mind. You have all the time in the world; you are young and have a bright future. But! You have to live and love like there is no tomorrow, because there are no guarantees in life. If you want to change some thing, say something or do something, do it. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you, allow someone else to do it instead of you, or miss the opportunity, because it’s gone. The world needs awesome, ambitious, kind, curi ous, creative people to step up and speak up to continue to make it a better place to live. Best of luck to all of you. You can make all the differ ence the world needs. What do you want your retirement years to "look like"? Malt Shop, Movie Theater, Upgraded Apartments, and a Fitness Trainer in a New Gym Come by to see what the excitement is about and receive a complimentary dinner for 2 at our "Cafe 335" and a $5.00 gift card for your trip. *Gifts limited to the first 50 people (over 65 years of age) who tour our beautiful community* 2013 is going to be a Big Year for Hammond Glen Senior Community Independent and Assisted Living Nestled in the Heart of Sandy Springs A Senior Community 404-256-6300 • www.hammondglen.com 335 Hammond Drive NE • Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Beautiful, Sustainable & Affordable Remodeling Atlanta's full-service design and remodeling firm, for over 20 years Award-winning indoor and outdoor remodeling for projects of all sizes Serving Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven Showroom - Fully- outfitted Indoor Living and Outdoor Living Showroom Outstanding customer experience Fully licensed and insured William Fadul, Co-Owner, Green Certified Professional, NARI Certified Remodeler Atlanta Home Builders Association NARI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY [770] 670-6022 www.MosaicGroupAtlanta.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net | MAY 31—JUNE 13, 2013 | 21
