Inspiring Alumni Talk at Monroe College: Make Your Mark!

I’ve said it many times, I don’t just attend events, I have to be involved.

Recently, I was invited to share a few words at an event for my old school. One of the organizers was corrected when they proposed having me speak before all of the deans.

“Have the deans go first, then Angel.”

I chuckled to myself when this happened, but it was the logical procedure to follow. I understood the reasoning — the more senior people go last — but I think there was also concern that people might leave early. I wasn’t offended at all. In fact, there wasn’t any clear advantage for the school administrators to have me speak at this event. Or so one might think, until I actually started speaking.

I was invited to talk about my alumni experience and how Monroe helped me kick-start my career. As most of the speakers went before me, I saw the general theme and shifted my planned approach. I moved from simply sharing my story to joining the school’s mission of encouraging prospective students.

In my brief speech, I mentioned how holding a master’s degree affected my career path. I explained that in corporate America, sometimes people with advanced degrees move ahead, even if others have more experience. I also pointed out how, even in television and blogging, having a master’s degree can add value as a commentator.

In short, I encouraged the audience to consider earning a master’s degree at Monroe. They could be the person in charge or the one who gets passed up by someone with a master’s degree.

The dean and several directors were impressed and thanked me for my “sell.” They invited me to visit the Bronx campus to do more of the same. Someone said, “You are a very inspiring speaker.” A few attendees showed great interest in my words and asked questions about enrollment. I found that promising and decided to seize the moment.

What was my immediate objective in participating? To get these senior folks to learn my name and remember my face. I had reached out to a few of them before but didn’t get any response. This event was a chance to get their attention in a different way.

When I was invited, I saw a great opportunity to show the team what I can do. I went for it. Nothing may come of it, but I’m generating interest in what I say and demonstrating what I’m capable of. Plus, I’m working on my public speaking skills.

What’s my long-term goal? To land a job in this field where my experience is mostly practical. I need to build my resume and gain more relevant experience. This path feels necessary since my formal education is in a different area.

I like to take chances and get things done. I’m strategic like that. After the event, I emailed the dean and some staff to express my interest in working with them. Let’s see what happens down the road!

Thank you to Monroe College for the opportunity to speak to their future students, and a huge thank you to Krystle for making this happen!