FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MAY 28, 2020 • THE QUEENS COURIER 25 Salute to graduates
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Congratulations to all our graduates!
Dear Members of the graduating
Class of 2020,
Th ese are extraordinary times
— and each of you are extraordinary in
your own way. Congratulations on reaching
this landmark time in your life!
Th is 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.
Th ose 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 diff erence 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.
Th ere are lessons to be learned during
this pandemic. Remember that when we
work together, our impact upon society
will be even greater than working on
our own.
Wearing a mask now makes a diff erence
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 aft er test aft er test. Welcome
to the next level of your academic career;
take one day at a time.
Study hard and work hard. Th e path to
success is very simple: Work hard. Th row
yourself into school activities.
High school is full of all sorts of aft erschool
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. Th ey will
make you proud!
Th ank 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
/WWW.QNS.COM
