Don’t Throw Away Your Shot!
Critiqued by Maya, Oliver, and Ally
Whenever Mum served stewed cherries for dessert we’d count the pits to see what we would be when we grew up: tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.
At that time (in the 50’s) girls were expected to have their Mrs. “degree” by the time they were 21, and boys were expected to have chosen “A” career. Wow! Talk about restrictive!
But think of Alexander Hamilton who was an orphan of 18 when he came to this country, with experience in bookkeeping, but little formal education. This land, on the verge of revolution, was an opportunity for a young man with an abundance of daring and a determination not “to throw away his shot” (so the song says.)
And he did not! Within 30 years he had many accomplishments to his name, among them:
Bookkeeper
Soldier (aide-de-camp to George Washington; commander of a battalion)
Husband and father
Lawyer
Member of the Continental Congress
Author (one of them) of the Federalist Papers
Secretary of the Treasury
Like Alexander Hamilton, you high school graduates are also coming of age in a politically and economically chaotic time, both nationally and internationally. So, what is a wide-eyed 18-year old to do?
DARE
Throw yourself into the abyss of chaos and make a difference. Create your own opportunities; be open to accepting challenges you aren’t prepared for; try things you have never tried before.
DIVERSIFY
There are many people a decade or two ahead of you whose success is founded on the diversity of their skills and experience.
Emma Watson: actress, model, activist.
John Green: author, vlogger, writer, producer, actor, editor, and educator.
Vera Wang: figure skater, journalist, fashion designer.
Kimbal Musk: philanthropist, global social entrepreneur, restauranteur
You are so fortunate to be born in a time of rapid change and chaos. Such times, though they may “try men’s souls,” are also opportunities for those who dare.
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot!
