More than 130 members of the graduating senior class recently gathered in Mathey College Common Room for an evening celebrating their accomplishments and looking ahead to the new chapters of their lives after they leave Princeton.
"This is the time in life where you get to start giving yourself your own assignments," said T.A. Barron, a Class of 1974 graduate and the keynote speaker at the inaugural Senior Sendoff Celebration event organized by the Office of Career Services and the Class of 2015. "You get to put your own definition around what it means to live a meaningful life."
A University trustee and award-winning author, Barron advised students April 23 to treat their life as a story, guiding their future in the direction that aligns with what excites them most. Barron's own life mirrors that advice.
"When I was your age I had a dream of actually making life as a storyteller," said Barron, who is particularly known for his fantasy and nature books.
Princeton University Trustee T.A. Barron, an author of 30 books, addresses the senior class during the Senior Sendoff Celebration event organized by the Office of Career Services and the Class of 2015. Barron told students to treat their life as a story by guiding their future in the direction that excites them most. (Photos by Frank Wojciechowski for the Office of Career Services)
After almost a decade in private equity where he served as president and chief operating officer of a thriving company, Barron found himself longing to write. Regularly drifting off in meetings, imagining how he would write the other participants as characters — including goblins and trolls — Barron knew it was time for a change.
Barron eventually resigned to pursue a career as a writer. The author of 30 books, including his latest, "The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life," he is frequently asked whether he was fearful to leave a job where he was successful to pursue his passion.
"The truth is of course it's scary," said Barron, adding that "It's much less frightening to try something you love, and fail, than it is to never try at all."
Barron acknowledged that finding your passion and making a career of it is not always a fairy tale, and that he grappled with failure as a new writer. His first manuscript was submitted to 32 publishers and rejected by all. Though it was a painful experience, it also served to reinforce his desire to continue writing.
"Things that seem like a tragic end or disaster or disappointment in the moment actually could be the doorway that you could go through to really learn some important stuff," said Barron, noting that mistakes and perceived failures can serve as one of the most powerful opportunities for reflection.
Despite the differences in years and experience, Barron's advice resonated strongly with the seniors in attendance.
"Since my freshman year at Princeton I've been so humbled to observe so many of you who are truly and genuinely passionate about whatever you do," said Saumya Singh in an address to her classmates, "Which is why it is all the more appropriate to have a speaker like T.A. Barron who is coming in and reinforcing that it is important to keep making meaningful choices for the rest of our lives."
Executive Director of Career Services Pulin Sanghvi said, "Tom's message provides an inspirational blueprint for seniors, and is closely aligned to Career Services' mission to assist students in identifying what drives them, and to help connect them to meaningful opportunities in those areas."
Sanghvi, who came to Princeton in December 2013, added that he feels a strong connection with the Class of 2015.
"It is the first senior class I've been with for an entire academic year at Princeton, and I know they will take Tom's advice to heart," he said.
Senior Saumya Singh, a member of the Graduating Class Committee and one of the student organizers of the event, presents Barron, a Class of 1974 graduate, a gift on behalf of the Class of 2015.
After Barron's address, Marguerite Vera, a Class of 1979 graduate and associate director for class affairs at the Alumni Association, gave a toast to the seniors. Recognizing their contributions to campus and wishing them well as they prepare to walkthrough FitzRandolph Gate in a few short weeks, Vera reminded the students that they will always have a home at the University.
"When you are away from Princeton, remember there is always someone at the Alumni Association waiting to welcome you back," said Vera.
Young alumni returned to campus for the event to share advice with the seniors about transitioning from undergraduate life to careers and graduate school. Benedict Wagstaff, Class of 2014, encouraged seniors to embrace their role and contributions in the workplace, and not to be discouraged by youth.
Following the toast, young alumni took the stage and spoke about their experience transitioning from undergraduate life to careers and graduate school. With insights on time management, workplace politics and even how they found their first apartment, one consistent theme for the panelists was that their Princeton experience prepared them with transferrable skills that have been invaluable for navigating postgraduation challenges.
"The kind of non-directly related skills like being erudite and being articulate and asking good questions and being able to make your presence felt at a meeting or in a roundtable setting is huge," said Class of 2013 graduate Chloe Ferguson. "That is what is going to make you not just someone who shows up to the job but excels."
While the Class of 2015 may be closing the pages on one volume of their life, their story is just beginning, Barron noted.
"Take it from someone who loves a good story, and always has," he said.
Class of 1979 graduate Marguerite Vera, associate director for class affairs at the Alumni Association, toasts the graduating seniors.
