The Gift of Uncertainty

Yesterday, as I sat among the sea of caps and gowns at the DMSB commencement ceremony, I was struck by the stark contrast to the anxious faces I often saw throughout the semester. It was a heartening reminder of the resilience each of you possesses. This moment of reflection, witnessing the transformation from uncertainty to achievement, compelled me to write this letter. I want to share with you the insights that only time and experience can offer as you navigate the thrilling yet daunting crossroads of your own careers.

As a college professor, I have the privilege of witnessing the early stages of many promising journeys. Each conversation reminds me of a fundamental truth: the crossroads where you stand is rich with possibility and, admittedly, some uncertainty. Having walked further along life’s winding path, I feel compelled to share a perspective that time has graciously offered me.

You are at a thrilling point in life, full of potential and numerous paths stretching out before you. I understand the sense of overwhelm that often accompanies the multitude of choices you face. It is a common belief that your entire life's meaning hinges on this initial phase. However, I offer you an alternative viewpoint: the uncertainty you face is not a burden but a precious gift.

At 54, the vistas of possibility have naturally narrowed for me. Life’s choices become more constrained, often directed more by necessity than by passion. This reflection is not a lament but an insight to provide you clarity. Those of us with fewer choices left often find ourselves wistfully imagining what it would be like to stand once again at the onset of our twenties, where every road and every dream feels within reach.

The gift of your current uncertainty is the freedom it grants. You have the liberty to explore, to make mistakes, and most importantly, to learn and grow without the weight of too many predetermined commitments. Each decision you make opens new doors but also closes others. This is the natural course of life's journey, and it is entirely normal to feel both exhilarated and intimidated by it.

Embrace the vast unknown before you as a canvas on which you can paint your unique story. You don’t need a perfect plan. Life is not a project to be managed but a mystery to be lived. The unexpected twists and turns are not just obstacles but opportunities—chances to pivot, rethink, and discover new passions. Life often unfolds in waves and unexpected turns, and it is frequently the detours that lead us to the most scenic routes.

As you navigate these decisions, remember that the most fulfilling lives are often the result of flexibility, curiosity, and resilience. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, to fail, and to succeed. Seek experiences that challenge you, embrace opportunities that scare you a little, and give yourself the space to discover who you truly are and what you truly want from life. No one has it all figured out, and truthfully, the most interesting people are those who continue to search and question their journey throughout their lives.

May you move forward not with trepidation, but with the excitement of the incredible potential you hold. Embrace this unique time of your life, knowing that the paths you choose are part of a larger tapestry that only you can weave.

With warmest regards and best wishes for your adventure,

Cheryl Mitteness, Phd

Associate Teaching Professor

D’Amore-McKim School of Business

Northeastern University