To Graduates of June 2020

By Donna Lindell, Program Coordinator, Professor, Post Grad PR Program

My end of the year message to students is a tradition. This year I’ve been struggling with what to say, for obvious reasons. By now, we’re all looking for synonyms for ‘unprecedented’ and have become quite used to either our shadows, our pets, and/or others as our co-workers — like it or not.

How we all choose to move forward is up to us. There is no looking back, and no use lamenting and waiting for all to return ‘to normal’. Those who are agile, flexible and able to adapt will get through this. Rather than calculating how we muddle through, or excusing why we can’t do something, this is a crazy opportunity to figure our way around, through or over the problem: how do we create camaraderie in our office when I can’t smell your lunch? How do we collaborate when I can’t read your body language when you hate my idea? How do I create an event when I can’t go anywhere? And so on.

Know this: you are not alone. Every single business, every single educator and every single government is trying to figure this out. On. The. Planet. And that’s where you come in. Add value. Inject ideas. Reinvent. Reset. Fresh ideas and innovation will win the day. Positive attitude and a growth mindset are more essential than ever. Accept that the first attempt may not be perfect, but the second version will be better. Do, reflect, adjust, repeat. You know what that reminds me of? The Experiential Learning Cycle by Kolb:

And that is what you have been doing during your studies at The Story Arts Centre. Your event, every group project, every assignment where you had feedback, Storyworks where you worked with real clients, your Field Placement. So you’ve got this.

We talked about the future of the profession early on in the program. We all thought many of the things that are happening now would roll out slowing and methodically over the course of many years, decades even. But now, it’s like the future has decided not to wait. It’s here. Big time.

Look, I’m not saying this is easy. I worry about each and every one of you and your mental health. But I am not worried about your ability to get through this and contribute to the rebuild of the economy. Now, more than ever, the world needs communicators. The world needs trusted, strategic advisors to assist leadership deliver difficult messages, to help rally and motivate employees, and to nurture the relationships so critical to the viability of our society. And for that you are well-trained and well-positioned. Trust your instinct and put everything you learned to work in the most strategic and purposeful way you can. And sometimes to do that you may need to speak a little louder, act a little more confident than you feel, step up to do something you think you might not be ready for.

But you know what? You. Are. Ready.

Congratulations Graduates. The future is now.