Ask the Dean is a weekly column by MTU’s Dean of Students, Dr. Wallace Southerland III, where students can submit questions for him to answer. To submit a question, email lodesubmit@mtu.edu
Q: ” What advice do you have for students about to graduate?”
All of us in Student Affairs offer heartfelt congratulations to our graduating Huskies. We wish the graduates well and hope they feel confident that Michigan Tech has prepared them for what’s to come.
We want the new graduates to go out into the world and create positive social change. We want them to be the most exceptional and confident employees and the most responsible and kindest individuals. We know that Tech graduates will be great and grateful, resilient and resourceful, competent and compassionate, ethical and just, and formidable.
As for my advice? Yup, I got some:
- Trust yourself and take a leap of faith sometimes
- Don’t be so serious — laugh and have fun along the way.
- Enter and exit the workplace or graduate school with grace and humility.
- Learn to listen more than you talk. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
- Solve conflict by “seeking first to understand then to be understood.”
- HuskyUP and take responsibility for your actions.
- Don’t be afraid of accountability.
- Don’t rely on others to motivate you. You must be self-motivated to achieve your goals.
- Be responsible for your own morale.
Dr. S.
Your VP and Dean of Huskies
HuskyUP. All day. Everyday.
Awoooo!
