This weekend, I went to New Jersey to celebrate the entering of a new chapter for my cousin, Jaden, graduating from high school.
For hours my family and I ate, danced, and bonded over his accomplishments.
As the night came to an a close passed the mic around each giving Jaden words of wisdom.
Deion, my other cousin and long-time subscriber to this newsletter, took the mic and unleashed an epic speech.
It was so encouraging, that I believe it transcends the advice for a college student and can touch the lives of anyone who hears it.
Below you will find the transcript. Enjoy!
👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 Words of Deion 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
Jaden is majoring in cyber security.
For those that may not know, cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems from digital attacks. Now Jaden...
This fall, I'm sure your professors will do a great job in teaching you the necessary skills of cyber security, but allow me to be your very first professor. Don't worry about taking notes because I'll send this study guide later. Your test will be life, and your grade will be determined by just how successful you become. So listen very carefully.
The most complex and dynamic computer system you must first learn how to control and protect is that 3 1/2 pound grey matter beneath your cranium, commonly referred to as your brain. Yes, your brain is much like a computer system; it has many functionalities that permit you the ability to think, make conscious decisions, feel, and store data. It's essentially your most valuable asset.
So today, I challenge you to develop your very own computer system, your way of thinking, aka your mindset.
"So, professor, how can I do that?". Well, Jaden, I'm glad you asked!
We'll make that our first bullet point.
Ask questions: the quality of your questions will determine the quality of your life. I.e., Don't ask yourself "why"? Rather, Ask yourself, "why not"?
Be fearless: Ideas are valuable and powerful. So acknowledge them all without any fear of your ability to execute.
Be optimistic: Perspective is everything. Always Seek the positive side of things.
Be consistent: Better yet, be persistent; consistent through difficult times.
Be Disciplined: Never let impulses or feelings dictate your decisions.
And last but not least, Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: The greatest things in life rest outside of your comfort zone.
To conclude, I'll leave you with this secret:
You become what you think about. How you think is how you feel. How you feel becomes an emotion. That emotion becomes a vibration. And that vibration becomes a magnet that attracts things to you.
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Jaden, I wish you the very best in your future endeavors!
Class is dismissed.
If you would like to see him say the speech, you can watch it here on his Instagram.
Stay creative,
Dwayne