It will be alright in the end

It will be alright in the end

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure and honour (but mostly I was totally gobsmacked!) to give the Year 12 graduation keynote address at my former senior school, St Monica’s College in Epping.

As Year 12 students across the country are currently sitting their final exams, I thought my messages may be useful to share with the young adults in your life. Especially those that find themselves in the last weeks of their school career.

It will be alright in the end

My speech began with,

It would be fair to say I never expected this gig when I failed Year 12 English.

From there I continued with my overall message:

It will be alright in the end and if it is not alright, it’s not the end.

It’s a philosophy I’ve used throughout my life and something I like to pass on to others.

When things don’t go to plan, while it's upsetting at the time, it may take you down a wonderful and exciting path you never would have considered.

Your ATAR matters for only a moment in your life. I think ATAR should stand for A Temporary Academic Result as your academic records will not define your future success.

Believe me I know.

I mean seriously how can a kid that failed Year 12 English publish seven business books? Good editors I hear you say... and I will not dispute that.

Focus on your strengths and what you love

My other bit of advice was to focus on your strengths and outsource your weaknesses, something I apply both professionally and personally.

Finally, if you have young adults in your life, I encourage them to do what they love and let them know that doing their best will be good enough.

Because it will be alright in the end. If it’s not, it’s not the end.

If you are interested, you can see my 10-minute speech here.


This is an image of Gabrielle and her latest book, Magnetic Stories: Connect with customers and engage employees with brand storytelling. It also shows badges where the book became an awards finalist in three different categories.

I am passionate about helping people get better at sharing business stories. If you want to get better at telling stories then check out my free?7-Day Storytelling?Starter Kit. You can also find out more about the work I do at?gabrielledolan.com?or send me an?email?to set up a time to chat.

Rod Maule

Principal - Strategic Advisory

2 年

Having barely passed English myself in Year 12 I can relate. I hope every young person doing year 12 all the best and to not stress either way. Life has many opportunities regardless of this moment.

回复
Helen Taylor GCSCE

Passionate communication specialist with plenty of years of experience in strategic advisory and leadership roles across corporate and not-for-profit sectors. I love to connect people together.

2 年

Wise words. ??

Hanne BRUUN

Sales Management

2 年

Pause and remember to still be available for the young adults as they find their own feet in this world. We all need make our own mistakes and accomplishments and if just like you as the adults to remember to just be there to catch them when they fall and celebrate their triumphs, especially the once that seems so small to us.. mentoring is so rewarding for the receiver and giver. Good luck to all during theses times of exams.

Arthur Thomas Ware

Master Storyteller, Public Speaker and Creative Writer

2 年

Just those first few opening lines...there is such a message in there! "It will all be right in the end. And if it isn't alright, it isn't the end... " Powerful, Gabrielle.

Love this Ral!!! I tell my girls all the time…the path is the path ??

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