June is Graduation Month!
June is the season of commencement, advancement, risk-taking. Armed with a piece of paper that represents to each who holds it a level of achievement unique to him, graduates will work harder now than ever before to find their place among the many who have gone before them.
Class of 2012, as much as you are mired in anticipation, surely this is a time of reflection. How prepared are you for the challenges ahead? For what did all those exams train you? How have you defined success and how will you define it moving forward?
Class of 2012, your diploma is a mere reminder that your education has only begun. If you choose to advance beyond this point, there will be more books, more lectures, and more lessons. The difference is that you will assign them. You will find that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
So, be open to the series of lessons about to occur in your life. Be open to finding in every adversity the seed to equal or greater opportunity, because your only limitations are those you create.
-Lorraine Ranalli
Cucina Chatter Radio’s Commencement Special
Conan O'Brien's Replacement
Joe Braccia dresses like this every day!
Maryann Maisano Teaches Italian Sign Language
Oh what fun we had on Cucina Chatter hearing a variety of commencement addresses. In studio with me was young comedian Mike Davis and Investment Manager Joe Braccia.
Besides picking on Joe, Mike offers sage advice to his audience via the commencement address he delivered on the show.
Joe wears nice clothes and watches! Oh, and he too has some sage advice.
Between jokes Italian Chick Maryann Maisano drops a line I will never forget: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” Wow! We all know that fear holds us back. That’s why we make excuses. But have you ever thought of risk-taking and success from that perspective?
Jesse Metcalfe (eye candy for the blog!)
The Cucina Chatter cast chimes in with words of wisdom as well:
- Dr. Write (AKA Jim Vanore) sounds like he’s given a few commencement addresses. Rhonda Fink Whitman would make a wonderful commencement speaker.
- Philadelphia’s Newsman, Paul Perrello, has a cup of espresso with actor Jesse Metcalfe. (not fair!)
- In the Upstairs Kitchen, Una Mamma Italiana is preparing a simple dish that can be served at graduation celebrations and any dinner party.
Mangia & Enjoy!
