TCTC President tells Grads to be CEOs of Their Lives

Tri-County Technical College President Ronnie L. Booth urged summer graduates to think of themselves as their own corporations and to take charge and be in charge of their own lives.  At the College’s 49th summer commencement, 536 students were awarded degrees, diplomas and/or certificates on August 2 at the Anderson Civic Center. “My challenge to each of you is that you understand that you are and must continue to be the CEO of your life.  Each of us has a responsibility to do what we can do, and to control that which we can control to live our lives in such a way that we will accomplish all that we set out to do.  You should think of yourself as an entity that has something to offer the world, such as your skills as a nurse, medical laboratory technician, welder, police officer, IT specialist, machinist or pre-engineer,” said Dr. Booth. “Whatever your goals may be, one thing is for certain:  you are ultimately responsible for whether or not they are accomplished.  Others will certainly have an impact and play a role in what takes place in our lives, but only you can control many of the variables that will determine the outcomes.” He outlined five attributes he believes individuals need to be successful.  “Know yourself and understand your personality type.  You must be willing to do the hard, but essential, work of getting to know your strengths, weaknesses, preferences and fears if you are going to be able to run your own life and not let it, or others, run you,” he said. “It is necessary to be true to yourself,” he said, “even if others do not agree with what you choose to do.  Listen to others and seek advice, but at the end of the day, you must decide,” he said. Another essential task is to market yourself, he said.  “You are in charge of helping others to understand what you can bring to the equation.  You are responsible for helping others to understand that you can work, are talented and dependable, and can add value to the team; that you are the right person at the right time,” he said.  Lastly, Dr. Booth encouraged them to manage and improve themselves.  “What you know today is not enough for next year.  Whatever you do and wherever you go, you must continually improve or be left behind.” Following the speech, Dr. Booth and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the graduates.