by David Flint
Berlin Central School’s Commencement speaker at Graduation Exercises on Friday was one of their own, and a very successful role model. 1980 graduate Kurt Schindler was president of his class and an avid participant in soccer, basketball, baseball and musical drama. He went on to become a Certified Financial Planner and Instructor of Financial Education at the Banco Popular in Puerto Rico. A proponent of lifelong education, he recently received a PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University.
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Kurt and his wife Sandra have raised four children. Their daughter has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and their three boys are all Eagle Scouts.
Schindler told the graduates that from now on their destination is largely of their own choosing. “You no longer have to let society happen to you – you get to create your own.”
He advised that they be clear in their choices and expectations, always asking themselves why and what for. At the same time they should stay flexible as “life changes constantly.” Some choices will work out, some won’t and we should always accept the consequences of our decisions and be ready to try a different path. “You will make mistakes – just keep moving,” he said.
Schindler had some advice on making choices. 1)Choose always to treat other people right; 2) Choose to see your work as a way to help others; 3) Choose to become balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically; and 4) Choose to get home for dinner – family is most important.
“I am proud to say that you and I – WE – are graduates of Berlin Central,” Schindler concluded. [/private]