General Rauhut, President Caldwell, Faculty, Staff, Graduates of the Class of 2019, family and friends. It is a privilege to be with you today and an honor to be invited to share with you a few brief thoughts as we celebrate this milestone in the life of the graduates.
It’s exciting to see so much talent
here today. You are graduating at an
opportune time. Our unemployment rate is
a low 3.8%. Georgia’s economy is growing and companies are hiring.
This hasn’t always been the
case. When Governor Deal first took
office in January of 2011, our economy was still suffering from the great
recession. Bankruptcies, business closures
and layoffs were in the headlines.
Governor Deal made job growth and economic development a priority of his
administration. Along with the state
legislature, he put pro-growth policies in place like lowering taxes on
manufacturing and enhancing tax incentives for the film and digital
entertainment industry. This has led to
the rebirth of manufacturing in Georgia
and the location of companies like Khumo Tire, Sandler AG and Valmiera Glass
and the expansion of companies like Frito Lay, Graphic Packaging, Hollingsworth
and Vose, Interfor, and others all right here in Middle Georgia. It has created a 9.5 billion dollar film
industry in Georgia, making us the Hollywood of the South. In 2017, we had 320 film and television
productions shot in Georgia, creating over 41,000 Georgia jobs. Many of these
productions were in Macon and Middle Georgia.
We’ve invested in our critical
infrastructure, roads, bridges, the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, and our
airports. We now have a transportation
network that boasts the worlds busiest airport and fastest growing sea
port. This has led to the creation of
jobs in the warehouse and logistics sector to include 500 new jobs currently
being filled at the Amazon fulfillment center just up the road in Macon-Bibb.
And in October 2018, Site Selection
Magazine, named Georgia the #1 state in which to do business for the 6th
consecutive year in a row.
Our current Governor, Brian Kemp,
continues to emphasize economic development and has committed to making Georgia
the #1 state in the nation for small business.
All of this is positive news, but
none of it is sustainable without new employees joining our workforce that are
equipped for success. Success both in the workplace and in the community. Georgia’s future rests with you.
Through hard work, perseverance, and
commitment, you’ve earned your degree.
This is no small accomplishment, and we are very proud of you for this
achievement. However, your degree is
like a key to a door. A door of
opportunity. It opens the door and
allows you in, but you will need other keys to find success and fulfillment.
Indulge me as I share with you my
keys for success. I believe these have a
basis in scripture, and I title the three keys you need to succeed:
Let me explain:
By Suit Up, I mean be prepared.
You have already gotten off to a good
start on this one, with the education and training you’ve received from Georgia
Military College, but don’t let the learning stop as you leave the
classroom. Tonight is called commencement,
which marks the beginning of your development. It isn’t called terminal. Continue to learn and improve your
skills. Challenge yourself. Try new things. Don’t be afraid to fail.
In a more literal sense, suit up
means dress appropriately for the job or occasion. Maintain a neat and professional
appearance. Looking the part, will build
your self-confidence and garner the confidence of others.
Be organized and have the right tools
or materials for the job
Get your mind right. Believe in yourself. Think of yourself as a
winner and push yourself to get better.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Get enough sleep.
Get your spirit right. Start your day with a devotion and prayer.
Exercise regularly.
The bible tells us to suit up in Ephesians 6:10-18, and I paraphrase.
“Put on the full armor of
God…belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with readiness,
shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the
word of God.”
By Show Up, I mean be persistent.
Keep at it. Be committed and don’t quit.
Zig Ziglar said “persistence
will overcome everything else”.
Be on time. It will be noted and will impress. To be late is rude. It conveys that you think your time is more
important that the other persons time.
It is also unfair to your employer or anyone waiting on you.
Be dependable. If you commit to something, do it. If you find you can’t, let the other person
know as soon as possible.
Be a person of integrity. Do the right thing, even when no one is
watching. Be honest.
Be clear minded. Focus on the job at hand. Be present in the moment and don’t be
distracted.
Work hard. Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s
pay. The fruits of labor come only to
those who first labor for the fruit.
Go the extra mile. Exceed expectations.
To quote another bulldog, Kirby
Smart, keep chopping.
2 Chronicles 15:7 encourages us to show up and persevere.
Hear these words:
“But as for you, be strong and
do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
And finally, by Shine, I mean be positive, personable and passionate.
Your attitude makes all the
difference. Have a positive attitude, it
will be contagious.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Tells us to, “Rejoice always, pray
continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you
in Christ Jesus.”
And Henry Ford famously said
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right”
Smile. It makes you look better and people will think
you are up to something!
Look folks in the eye when greeting
them and call them by name.
Be a good finder, not a fault
finder.
Listen more than you talk.
Treat others like you want to be
treated.
Use these words often – thank you,
how are you, how can I help
Be a friend to someone who doesn’t
have many.
Laugh at yourself more than you laugh
at others.
Attack the day with enthusiasm and
energy, every day is a new beginning.
Be respectful. Don’t use crude language. Use the manners your mama taught you.
Pursue your dreams with a passion.
In closing, one of my favorite bible
verses is Jeremiah 29:11, and I
firmly believe it applies to all of us.
It reads:
“For I know the plans I have for
you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future.”
Georgia’s economy is strong and
growing, and the opportunities for you are boundless. Your future is bright if you will:
Suit Up
Show Up
and Shine!
Thank you for having me. God bless you and God bless the United States
of America.
