Connection the key to success
Colin Crabtree
Director, Advancement, Marketing and Admissions
Avondale College of Higher Education
Success. It’s probably one of the reasons why you decided to enrol as a student at Avondale College of Higher Education. And of course, it’s likely you’ll want that success to continue into the future.
But what is success?
You’ll be able to measure success in life . . . from the real, ongoing, lasting relationships you’ll form with the people around you.Colin Crabtree
If success can be measured by awards, fame and wealth, then actor Robin Williams would seem to be the epitome. Film, theatre, television, stand-up comedy; he did it all—and better than almost anyone. We felt we knew him; we had come to love him.
On August 11, at the age of 63, Williams committed suicide. His death shocked and saddened us. We looked for an answer to the question, “Why?”. Some evidence links Williams’ death to both a degenerative condition similar to Parkinson’s disease and a long-term struggle with depression. In one of his later interviews, he said the following:
“My battles with addiction definitely shaped how I am now. They really made me deeply appreciate human contact, and the value of friends and family, how precious that is.”
I strongly suggest you’ll be able to measure success in life not from the awards you’ll receive or the money you’ll make but from the real, ongoing, lasting relationships you’ll form with the people around you.
You’ve shared a unique journey with your classmates, with your lecturers and with the general staff here at Avondale . Don’t lose these connections—they’re part of what make you successful. Keep in contact.
The Avondale Alumni Association helps you stay connected with Avondale and with each other. As a graduate of Avondale, you become an honorary member of the association. We hope you’ll make the most of the benefits this membership brings. Visit our website for more information: www.avondale.edu.au/alumni.
So, carpe diem—seize the day. You’ve already started on a path we think will lead to an extraordinarily successful life; please continue to share your success with us.
To the Avondale graduates of 2014, thank you.
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