Alumni Sponsor October




NARROW YOUR FOCUS 

Did you attend Making Connections at the Skyline Room on September 18th?  I hope that some of you did because it is a great way to "get your feet wet", to start networking with a purpose.  I asked some students "What do you see yourself doing after graduation?"  Some said they were going to attend graduate school, law school, medical school, etc.  It seems they have a goal for the long term.  But others were not sure what they were going to do - like a leaf that follows the flow of water, going wherever the current may take it.   

So, where do you want to be after graduation?  What do you see yourself doing?  You probably don't know right now, and that's O.K.  This 3rd year is when you need to "narrow your focus".  Ask yourself questions.  Lots of them.  "What do I want to major in?" "What do I think are my skills?"  "What do I like or don't like?"  You may not have the answers right now, but you can start the journey. more>>

Warren Berger, the author of "A More Beautiful Question", asked questions of successful people to learn what made them successful.  Different people have different answers.  The questions might as well be "What goal(s) do you want to pursue?"  "What is fulfilling to you?" "What matters most to you?"  Questions, questions, questions!!!

Drew Houston, a co-founder and CEO of Dropbox asked "What is your tennis ball?" when he gave the commencement speech at the 2013 graduation at MIT.  Those of you who have dogs can especially relate to that question.  When you hold a tennis ball in your hand, does your dog get really excited and want to play?  When you throw it, does your dog chase it with real excitement? Drew said "The hard thing about planning your life is you have no idea where you're going, but you want to get there as soon as possible."  So, what is your tennis ball?  What drives you? What inspires you?

As you "narrow your focus", I would like for you to answer some other questions as we go through this year together.  I want you to write down your answers and put them in a place where you can find them later.  It will be a different question for each newsletter.  This month's question is "Where is your favorite place on campus?" I would really like to know your answers.  


I look forward to being with you again.  Call me at 210-771-0030 or send an e-mail to me at kpettit@satx.rr.com.