These are extraordinary times —
and each of you are extraordinary
in your own way. Congratulations
on reaching this landmark time in
your life!
This certainly isn’t what you
expected when you started the year
back in September, and had visions
of striding onto the stage in your
cap and gown to pick up the diploma
or degree you’ve worked so hard to
achieve.
You are living through incredible
times, and they happen to converge
on a milestone in your life. Let us
challenge you a bit to put these times
aside. Live in the moment, live in
the present; never forget that it is a
present. You can do nothing about
the past, and nobody can read the
future. Enjoy the present with your
family, your friends and your loved
ones.
Those of you who just received
your college degree are about to
head out into the “real world,”
and even with the diffi culties that
currently exist, you can make an immediate
impact to help improve our
city, state and country.
Your attention, like other graduates,
is about fi nding that coveted
fi rst job. As you search, stay focused,
positive and, most importantly,
persistent. With persistence, you will
fi nd a place, whether it be graduate
school or other opportunities in the
workplace.
If a job is not available, jump in
and consider being a volunteer. Take
an internship! Nothing is better than
experiencing the world, even in unpaid
positions, until you fi nd a paid
position. Your creativity, your skill
set and your desire will make the
difference when hiring begins.
It’s always benefi cial to learn
lessons in life at an early age so that
you are prepared for them as you
get older. If anything can be learned
from this pandemic, it is that life is
precious. You can’t take any day for
granted. You will face adversity in
many ways throughout life.
There are lessons to be learned
during this pandemic. Remember
that when we work together, our
impact upon society will be even
BRONX TIMES REPORTER,18 JUNE 26-JULY 2, 2020 BTR
greater than working on our own.
Wearing a mask now makes a difference
in your life, and every other
life around you.
For those of you heading to
college next year, get ready for a
unique time in your life. Enjoy each
day!
As you tackle the core classes,
term papers and other academic
challenges that college poses, follow
your heart. Find your passion.
Nothing is better in life than doing
what you love. If it’s something
you’re emotionally and intellectually
invested in, pursue it.
As for middle school students
heading into high school, the next
four years will be fi lled with new
friends, harder courses and test
after test after test. Welcome to the
next level of your academic career;
take one day at a time.
Study hard and work hard. The
path to success is very simple: Work
hard. Throw yourself into school
activities.
High school is full of all sorts of
afterschool activities beyond sports.
Take part in them. Begin fi nding
your passion, join a club (or two),
make new friends and learn more
about the world around you.
Remember always the people
who have loved you and who have
cared about you to bring you to this
point in your life. A thank you to the
wonderful families who have helped
their children succeed. We’re sure
you’re bursting with pride.
Be hopeful for their future. They
will make you proud!
Thank you, teachers and professors,
for helping not just to mold
your students’ young minds, but
also to inspire them to be the best
that they can be. As an educator, it’s
not merely about passing on facts
or assignments; it’s about instilling
enlightenment, passion and dedication
to your students. You have
helped them to change the world for
the better.
We congratulate you, graduates,
on your outstanding achievements.
Great challenges lie ahead. Pursue
them, be challenged by them and live
the life you dreamed.
Go, and do great things!
Sincerely,
Victoria Schneps
Joshua Schneps
Co-Publishers, Schneps Media
Dear Members of the graduating
Class of 2020,
Congratulations
to all our
graduates!