Words of wisdom from a Rummel, Tulane graduate

I graduated from Archbishop Rummel in May 2010 with advanced honors and, three months later in August, I enrolled at Tulane University to study biomedical engineering. After a difficult first semester taking the necessary prerequisites, I decided to transition out of engineering in the hopes of discovering classes and a potential career that I could be passionate about. That transition led me to the A.B. Freeman School of Business, where I discovered my passion for finance and investing. While pursuing my degree, I spent three days a week interning in the credit analysis department at Whitney Bank. On May 17, I graduated cum laude from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and am transitioning into a full-time position at Whitney Bank as the public finance credit analyst in New Orleans.

At a recent graduation party, my grandma, who is my greatest supporter, my role model for hard work and the person who financed my tuition at Archbishop Rummel, wanted me to impart advice that has served me well thus far.

➤ Don’t be afraid of hard work. Throughout my educational journey, I worked tirelessly. I passed up on many opportunities to socialize and goof off with friends and colleagues. I have many times valued an extra afternoon of studying over a beer at the bar. Trust me, I am not saying that there is not a time for those things, but I feel many people prioritize the wrong activities, especially in school. In addition, I have seen so many people, including myself, turn away amazing opportunities because the work was too hard, and I often find myself questioning either the truth of the statement or the lack of work ethic of the individual. Many people find comfort in being able to avoid hard work, but I ask, “Would you sacrifice a better future for yourself and your family for the current opportunity to take it easy?” My grandparents have worked so hard to ensure that everyone who has come through their home was positioned for success. I love them so much for that because it is a major reason why I work so hard today. I will not rest until I make sure that the future for my fiancé and our family is as bright as the sun that shines outside. I work hard for her, and I work hard for them. I just wish that others would realize that hard work is nothing more than a promise today of a better future tomorrow.

➤ Do not be so quick to proclaim yourself a success because life is always a work in progress. Every day is an opportunity to get better. Try not to fall prey to the trap of feeling secure in your current situation, whether it’s work, relationships or family because it can all fall apart so quickly. Put in the time with those activities and people that you love to show them that you are making the effort to get better. It will be noticed, and they will love and respect you for it.

➤ Find love. This last one is for the other young men in the building. People find it very surprising that I, a newly minted college graduate, am already preparing to dive into the world of marriage. In light of this, I’d like to take a moment to discuss my thoughts. First of all, we as young men should all strive to find a young lady that loves and respects us as men and then hold onto her. I know that we sometimes fall prey to this cultural mentality that tells us to never commit unless absolutely necessary and to have as many relationships as possible. To be blunt, this type of thinking is completely backwards. It has the potential to only lead to more broken families, fatherless children and a constant energy source for the cycle of poverty which plagues our generation of young people today, particularly the black community. I know this sounds clichéd, but it is up to us to break the cycle. So ask yourself: “Will you help break the cycle or will you help feed the stereotype?” So I hope that you all find a young lady who shares your view of a better future and that you love and respect her above all else. Her love and admiration can make you a man, not the lust and attention of those sent to derail you from the path of fidelity. So find love, embrace commitment and be a man!

Summing up, I hope you always remember to work hard, get better and find love.