Tag Archives for Class of 2016

Unlocking Life’s Lessons: A Commencement Message Drawn from the Cards

Published in RINewsToday on May 19, 2025

Throughout May, college and university campuses across the nation come alive with pomp, circumstance—and especially with words of wisdom. At these commencement ceremonies, a diverse array of speakers takes the stage: from prominent politicians, judges, media personalities, and Hollywood actors, to Fortune 500 CEOs, and even top students, themselves.

In speeches typically lasting around ten minutes and averaging 2,500 words, these individuals—some earnest, others lighthearted—share their personal stories and hard-earned insights gained through life’s challenges. Simply put, their goal? To inspire, inform, and equip graduating seniors with practical advice for navigating the twists and turns of both their professional and personal lives.

For the past twelve years as a columnist I’ve participated in this tradition, but in my very own personal way—by writing commencement-style articles offering my reflections and guidance to graduating classes. While I haven’t delivered these speeches in person, my essays serve as thoughtful addresses to students entering the next chapter of their lives.

Here are a few highlights:

  • 2013: Here’s My Advice to the Graduating Class of 2013 emphasized aging gracefully and embracing life’s journey, underscoring the importance of staying mentally and physically active.
  • 2014: Regular Folks Give Advice to Graduates offered tips for easing into professional life, highlighting the value of adaptability and learning from others in a competitive job market.
  • 2015: Sensible Advice from Seasoned Folk to the Class of 2015 compiled practical life lessons and words of encouragement from average everyday Rhode Islanders.
  • 2016: Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to the Class of 2016 for Future Success again reinforced the idea that meaningful guidance often comes from everyday individuals.
  • 2022: To the Class of 2022: Age Boldly, Enjoy Your Journey encouraged graduates to see aging as a lifelong, unpredictable  adventure—and to cherish good health as a vital asset.
  • 2023: Can AI Create an “Authentic” Commencement Address? explored how the newly emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) might shape future speeches.
  • 2024: Stoic Tips for the Class of 2024 drew on Stoic philosophy, originating in Athens around 300 BCE, today offers guidance on resilience, virtue, and perspective.  .

While these earlier Commencement Speeches blended my personal insight with broader philosophical reflections to support graduates on their new journeys, the Class of 2025 might also find them of interest, too. Today, I remain committed to the tradition of giving a fresh take on the classic commencement speech each May.

So, to the Class of 2025, I offer insights inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) and the collective wisdom of humanity. I know that this might sound a little over the top – but hear me out.  

A couple of years ago, Rhode Island hypnotist John Koenig gave the AI platform ChatGPT a unique assignment: “Comb through all human wisdom and identify the challenges each human being must face on their evolutionary journey.” This new technology also designed the images on the 64 cards, too. And AI delivered, notes Koenig, a Barrington resident who has practiced as a certified Hypnotist and past life facilitator for 27 years in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts.  

The AI-generated survey—free from individual bias—produced 64 principles essential for personal growth. Koenig expanded on these insights with his own commentary and turned them  into the Universal Mind Map Oracle Meditation System (UMMOMS), which he describes as “a personal curriculum for spiritual and personal growth.”

What makes the system personal is its use of random selection. Koenig explains that you can imagine the “universal mind” tutoring you with the right lesson at the right time—whether by shuffling a deck of cards or by using a random number generator. (go to chttps://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/random-number-generator.php).

According to Koenig, it is worth noting that the doctrine of reincarnation is mentioned in the system (a belief shared by roughly half the world’s population), however, it is not essential to work the system. The system does not ask you to believe – or disbelieve anything but merely poses questions for your consideration.

This deck is meant to guide individuals in becoming their best selves, explains Koenig. From a random selection, I’ve drawn eight life lessons that I believe every 2025 graduate would do well to carry into their lives and careers:

• Card No. 16: Self-Control (Equanimity) – “Who is the boss of you? Is it your desire for short-term pleasures or your focus on deep and lasting satisfaction?” This card invites you to examine how many of your thoughts and behaviors are automatic. The challenge? To “wake up,” dehypnotize yourself, and live consciously—acknowledging that some habits may be so deeply ingrained that outside help is needed to change them. Self-mastery doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, the card reminds us.

• Card No. 30: The Mask – This card is a call to live authentically. Most of us wear three faces: the public persona, the self we fear, and the self we tell ourselves we are. This card invites you to discover a fourth—the whole self, complete with both flaws and strengths. “Own your flaws as well as what is fabulous about you.” Perfection is not the goal. Wholeness is.

• Card No. 46: Purposeful Action – “When you take purposeful action, you break from the trance of ‘the same old, same old.’ You become the author of your life,” says the card, stressing that “there is always only now.” This card emphasizes living fully in the present. “Squeeze the most life out of each moment—starting right now.”

• Card No. 7: Generosity – “Start adopting the habit of generosity today. Your reward will be a feeling of profound peace and deep satisfaction,” says the card. It reminds us that generosity is more than giving material things. It can also mean offering your time and energy to improve the lives of those you encounter. Remember: God helps those who are there to help others.

• Card No. 9: Mindfulness (Present Moment Awareness) – While it’s wise to stop and smell the roses, the thorns are just as real. This card urges you to be fully present with whatever is happening—not only the joys but also the challenges of life. Mindfulness is the art of observing without judgment. “It is what it is” becomes a mantra of acceptance. Quieting the mind opens the door to the fullness of life—and is, as the card says, mindfulness is “the ultimate self-development tool since it gives you access to the whole of you and all your experiences.”

• Card No. 23: Graciousness (Loving-Kindness) – Focus on love—not just as a feeling, but as action. The greatest gifts aren’t material but emotional: a kind word, a warm hug, a caring gesture. These can brighten someone’s day—or even change someone’s life.  And don’t forget self-love. “Self-talk that is kind and supportive is one way to love yourself,” observes the card. Treat yourself to comforts, pursue long-term goals, and practice “tough love” when needed. Look around—someone may need your love today. 

• Card No. 36: Life Map (Discernment) – On your journey, define your highest priorities and align your actions with those values. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stray—life detours are inevitable. What matters most is recognizing when you’re off course and returning to the path that reflects your deepest truths.

And finally…

• Card No. 50: Creativity (Expressing Originality) – Successful creation involves breaking through the walls of fear—especially the fear of being wrong. It means letting go of perfectionism and simply striving to do your best. It also requires patience and a commitment to the often mundane tasks that come with the creative process. This card stresses how you choose to express your creativity is entirely up to you. And it doesn’t have to be a traditional work of art. It might be a beautifully hosted dinner party or a small act that brightens someone’s day when they need encouragement. Define your highest priorities and let your actions align with them. The card urges you to “embrace and share your creativity fully in your world.”

To the graduates of 2025:

May the messages of these cards, randomly selected by universal mind, guide you to embrace your journey with clarity, courage, and curiosity. Let timeless wisdom—whether drawn from ancient philosophy or modern technology—help you become your truest self.

To learn more about Koenig’s oracle meditation system, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_gZ0MAeyBc.

To purchase the guidebook and the deck, go to: https://hypnosiscoaching.online

For the guidebook only (you can use a random number generator to select the cards’ messages), visit: https://a.co/d/4rG7oUB 

Links to my past speeches: 

2013   — https://herbweiss.blog/2013/05/31/heres-my-advice-to-the-graduating-class-of-2013/

2014 — https://herbweiss.blog/2014/05/23/regular-folks-give-advice-to-graduates/

2015 — https://herbweiss.blog/2015/05/17/sensible-advice-from-seasoned-folk-to-the-class-of-2015/

2016 — https://herbweiss.blog/2016/06/06/regular-folks-give-sound-advice-to-class-of-2016-for-future-success/

2022 — https://herbweiss.blog/2022/05/16/to-the-class-of-2022-age-boldly-enjoy-your-journey/

2023 — https://herbweiss.blog/2023/05/15/can-ai-create-an-authentic-commencement-address/

2024 — https://herbweiss.blog/2024/05/27/stoic-tips-for-the-class-of-2024/

Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to Class of 2016 for Future Success

Published in Pawtucket Times on June 6, 2016

As previous years, high-profile commencement speakers are coming to Rhode Island’s Colleges and Universities selected to give to the robed 2016 graduates their unique practical tips as to how one can have a rewarding personal and professional career. As I mentioned last May in my weekly commentary, these widely-recognized speakers can quickly bring prestige to the educational institution but they oftentimes command big bucks for their brief appearance. . . .

Like last year this writer calls for choosing regular folks to give commencement speeches to graduating College seniors. Their practical tips, suggestions and “words of wisdom” are honed each and every day at work and through their personal intimate relationships with family and friends and by the challenges faced throughout their life’s journey.

The following advice from these Rhode Islanders can be especially helpful to those graduating to cope in a very complex and changing world.

Doug Allen, 53, Douglas, Massachusetts (formerly from Lincoln, Rhode Island.), owner of Lincoln Associates. “Look around at your fellow graduates. There is at least one person here that you never spoke to, nor socialized with, that will someday become extremely successful. And they, unfortunately, will remember how they were treated in high school. Don’t make this mistake again. Every person you come in contact with could be that person who changes your life. Make it a point to say a kind word to everyone. Otherwise, you will never know if the next Mark Zuckerberg sat beside you in math class your sophomore year.”

Richard Blockson, 61, Providence, former general manager of The Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call, who currently works in the financial service sector. “Striving to be a person of sound character is an admirable goal. It cannot be bought, given to you or taken away. It levels the playing field between privileged and underprivileged. It will help guide you through troubled waters and grant you a path of good decisions during your lifetime.”

Carol Conley, 60, Pawtucket, assistant to the executive director, Rhode Island Film Office, Rhode Island. “Be grateful. Be kind. Karma is a real thing. Give to others what you would like to receive and it will eventually come back to you. Wait for it; trust the universe’s timing. Challenge yourself. Conquer your fears. Never, ever give up.”

Michelle DePlante, 29, Cumberland, director of programs, Leadership Rhode Island, “Discover who you are and what strengths you bring to the table. Engage with people who seem the least like you and listen to them to understand, not simply to reply. Become comfortable with the uncomfortable – you’ll grow as a person, and life will never be boring. Get to know your neighbors and be accountable to your community.”

Diane Dufresne, 63, Pawtucket, director at Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, “Take the knowledge and experience of those who have mentored you and invested in you, those who have helped mold your life and use that to become the best version of yourself that you can be……use what you have gained and contribute to make society better……one day you will have the opportunity to mentor others and you will impact another person to do the same.”.

Paul C. Harden, 56, Newport, director of Transportation Technology at New England Institute of Technology, “As a college graduate take every opportunity to learn, consider new ideas and develop new skills. You do not have to go back to school and get another degree. Trying reading books, taking a free online course or finding a mentor who can give you sound counsel.”

Mike Lyons, 73, East Providence, corporate and community partnerships, Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club, “Henry David Thoreau is the author of one of my favorite quotes: To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of the arts.’ College Graduates in particular have both the opportunity and responsibility that their education has afforded them to make each day matter.”

John Resnick, 52, Cranston, entrepreneur, “I have learned that your parents may try to live their lives through you and your career choice. Never give up your own dreams to follow the dreams and plans your parents may have for you. The only thing that you owe your parents is the promise that you continually pursue happiness throughout the course of your life.”

Wayne Rosenberg, 60, Providence, real estate broker and construction manager, “Most college degrees are not going to be your ticket to financial freedom. Your most important challenge you will face is finding meaningful work. You must realize that no one can do this for you but yourself. Take charge. If you cannot find employment consider becoming your own boss and employ yourself.”

Joyce Silvestri, 62, Seekonk, Massachusetts, former banquet director at Twelve Acres, “As you are entering upon your post-graduation experience, it is important to remember that as much as you are all vying for possible jobs or post graduate education, the competition will be even greater than you have experienced so far. Reflecting on what you have heard and seen in this election year, you would be wise to entertain this workplace or educational competition without losing sight of civility. That would be your true success.”

Jim Tiernan, 55, Hamilton, owner of 80 Fountain Street, LLC, a Pawtucket mill that houses artists and creative sector companies. “It is important for graduating seniors to realize that not many people know what they want to be when they ‘grow up.’ Don’t fret about making that perfect choice or worry that you don’t have a passion for your chosen field of education. You won’t always make perfect choices, but with a little thought and feedback from your friends and those older your choice will lead you in a positive direction. Wherever you land, learn from those around you with more experience and become as fully engaged in life as you possibly can. You only go around once.”

Rico Vota, 34, Cranston, communications & constituent affairs officer, City of Pawtucket. “You never know when the last time you talked to someone, is going to be the last time you talk to someone. Make every interaction you have with people count for something.”

And this writer, concludes with his favorite quote from the Roman poet Horace’s Odes. “Carpe Diem , Quam Minimum Credula Postero.” Translation: “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow.”