Whether we like it or not, our political system and our erratic president are wearing us down on a daily basis, so it’s worthwhile to switch to a completely different topic. At this time of year, I favor discussing college graduations and the Yankees. I’m not favoring them over the Mets, just using them as an example of hopeful signs in a dreary world.
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of participating in a graduation ceremony at Hofstra University. It was a distinct honor for me, as a trustee, to present an honorary degree to Wolf Blitzer, CNN’s legendary anchor for 20 years and the star of “The Situation Room” for 14 years. For someone who is such a familiar television presence, Blitzer is a humble and engaging figure. I’ve met quite a few talking television heads over the years, and most of them are unwilling to exchange simple hellos, even if you want to praise them.
Blitzer gave a stirring speech to the graduates, in which he told his life story. He’s the son of Holocaust survivors. He attended SUNY Buffalo and graduated with a history degree. Not knowing what he wanted in life, he enrolled in graduate school and earned a master’s degree in international relations. He worked at a variety of jobs — valet, cab driver, Electrolux salesman. He said he didn’t realize journalism was his passion until a graduate school professor suggested he apply for a reporting job at Reuters.
Blitzer urged Hofstra graduates to find their passion and make their fortune, but never forget their home. He told them not to be discouraged while they’re pursuing their goals. He reminded them that there would be setbacks, but in the end, if they stayed determined, they would succeed. He challenged them to continue learning, and to use their college experience to uphold the ideals of American democracy. While I was impressed with his message, I was equally impressed with the graduates who stopped on the platform to express their thanks for that stirring message.
The generation that is graduating this year faces more challenges than ever before. The job market has tightened, and there aren’t as many opportunities as were available to my generation. But students have begun to meet those challenges by doing things differently than we did. They’re starting up small businesses, mastering the high-tech world and volunteering to work in programs that help people in need. They’re developing people skills faster than their predecessors.