In 1997, Mary Schmich, a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, advised new university graduates to wear sunscreen, floss, stretch and get to know their parents.

It may not sound like advice that took the world by storm, but it did.

Now it’s your turn. We’re assembling the wisdom, advice and inspiration of the McMaster family – a few sentences at a time.

Below are 20 of the best pieces of advice sent in so far. Some were crafted by McMaster alumni. Others have stood the test of time. All are worth a read.

1. Never be afraid to change your mind if you find you have to.
~ Barbara ’63

2. Actions result in reactions. Be sensitive to how your actions will be received and will affect others.
~ Lynda ’68

3. Remember when you make a decision, if you are the only one to benefit from the result of that decision, it is probably the wrong decision.
~ Nancy ’75

4. A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.
~Anonymous

5. My Dad was a practical man. I questioned whether it would be a good use of my time to do post-secondary studies because if I did, it would probably take me at least 5 years to complete. His advice was: “Five years is going to pass anyway, so don’t worry about that part.” Without telling me what to do, that simple advice surprisingly made the decision much easier.
~Teresa ’80

6. Those who get on in this world sit up and look for the circumstances they want. If they don’t find it, they make it.
~Ken ’80

7.  “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” (Dr. Seuss)
~ Catherine ’66

8. When you leave, whether you have landed your dream job or not, take time to get to know yourself again. Your identity has changed; you are no longer a student and that can be a big adjustment in mind set. You will now have time that isn’t spent reading/writing/studying. Try many new things and enjoy forming this new you!
~ Melissa ’03

9. Your degree major may be minor in your career, while your minor may become your major in life. Embrace change!
~Anonymous

10. Don’t be scared if you graduate and realize you have no idea what you want to do with your life. Sit down. Take a breath. Reflect on what you value, what moves you and what you’re good at. Try to find something that balances all three. Regardless of what you choose, every day is an opportunity to refine your decision. Congratulations!
~Amanda ’06

11. The people you surround yourself with can heavily influence you performance and experience.
~Tahereh ’11

12. The greatest trick of life is balance, which you can only learn by doing.
~Alyssa’12

13. Seek out people who know more than you do and continually be inspired to know and do more.
~Kimberley

14. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. (African Proverb)
~Carol ’76

15. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket, and do not take it out and stick it merely to show that you have one.
~Philip

16. Make your career choices according to how you can serve, not according to how much you earn. You will retire with a smaller pension, but much bigger memories.
~Anonymous

17. Commit to keep on learning and always with an open mind.
~Shirley ’95

18. Get up, suit up, show up.  100% of life continues to be getting up, suiting up and showing up.
~Anonymous

19. LUCK = PREPARATION + OPPORTUNITY
~Maggie’06

20. Lead boldy with the courage to do what is right. Set high standards and aim to exceed them. Surround yourself with excellent people. Listen and collaborate. Learn and coach. Celebrate success and find joy in what you do!
~Anonymous

We invite you to contribute your favourite lines of advice, motivation or inspiration to this year’s graduating students. Think of it as a Convocation speech by committee. Visit macgoodadvice.ca to submit your advice.