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.”

PHOTO: Linkedin

Richard Blockson

61, Providence, former general manager of The Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call, who currently works in the financial service sector, Providence, Rhode Island. 

"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."

PHOTO: Linkedin

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.”

PHOTO: Linkedin

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.”

PHOTO: Twitter

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 A`cres., Seekonk.

“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 site 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.”