I was asked to speak for our recent Cinta Aveda Student Celebration. While it is a celebration for students who have either graduated or are near graduation, I still feel as though it isn’t necessarily my graduation since I’ll still be attending the Barbering program at the Institute. But that still didn’t stop me from writing from my heart and speaking to the class.
Here is the speech:
Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m an alcoholic. Sorry, wrong meeting.
When Jenna first asked me to speak for today’s celebration, my first thought was “Great… who cancelled?” Then my thoughts turned to rage, then to denial, then anger and finally… how am I doing on time?
In all seriousness, it’s been a great ride. Sometimes discouraging, sometimes aggravating, but for the most part, all awesome. I don’t think any of us really expected to receive what we’ve received here.
From Intro classes to now has been an amazing transformation, just in the amount of tears alone. We have saved so many tissues in the recent months because of the lack of tears and our confidence alone has increased tenfold! Personally speaking, I can section and cut hair at, oh let’s say, a Beta Level!
I kid, but since we’re on the topic of what we’ve learned, praise really does need to be given to all of our teachers… educators… is it teachers or educators? Educator-Americans? I can never get that right, no matter how hard I try. Our Teach-ucators have given us what we need to succeed in our careers and we should give them a big hand, even though they should get more.
And while we are giving praise, a big hand should also go to the staff that works here at the school.
In the office, in the experience center, everywhere. They help run the show behind the show. The staff have to deal with some of the most unhappy, dissatisfied, angry, self-absorbed people on a daily basis… I’m referring to us, the students. The guests are fine.
From a personal standpoint, I have the utmost respect and love for the educators and staff here at Cinta Aveda. I came here knowing nothing, a clean slate, a piece of clay that you helped to mold, me as well as my fellow students into the pre-professionals we are about to become. I feel prepared enough to go out into the professional world and Carpe the living crap out of that Diem!
How am I doing on time? Ok, I’m being given the wrap it up sign so I’ll be brief with my notes to my fellow students. Here is what I have learned through the years that I think will help us all in the future:
– Do or Do Not. There is no try. Yes, Yoda said it but it makes so much sense. Don’t try, Do. Just Do.
– Stay Positive
– On that note, Drop Kick the negative out of your life. You don’t need it. It will just drag you down!
– Failure doesn’t come from failing. Failure comes from quitting. Never quit!
– The Paper Cups are for guests only. Do not take them home. Do not use them for Jell-O Shots. They will fall apart!
– Can’t means won’t. Seriously. When you’re saying you can’t do something, what you’re really saying is that I won’t or I don’t want to. Erase Can’t from your vocabulary.
– Your worst day fishing beats your best day at work. I dunno, I read it on a bumper sticker on the way in to school.
– A faulty craftsman blames his tools. This is true. Never say you can’t do something because your brush or comb won’t work right. Fix it. And fix yourself.
– Develop this credo: “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome” No matter what the situation is: Improvise, Adapt and Overcome. You will surprise yourself!
– My dad once told me: “Never let anyone think they’re better than you and never think that you’re better than anyone else.” This saying has stuck with me through my life.
Now, graduating class: Do do that voodoo that you do so well!
