It’s amazing when you look back into the past and flashback to something that didn’t seem so long ago yet it’s been long enough for you to be considered old by those who are now in that very position that you were once in. Amazingly to me, it has been 7 “short” years since I graduated with a bachelor of science degree that I consider to be pretty useless outside of what I do for a living but I can still remember it like it was yesterday: hours upon hours of boredom before I was finally able stride up to the spotlight of the podium, receive my diploma cover from the Dean with a handshake and finally walking off into the darkness of boredom once again.

Fast forward 7 years and now it’s Paul, Daniel and Fornia’s turn to do the same as graduates of Cal State Long Beach’s Class of 2010. Since all three are hard working members of Cal State Long Beach’s Cambodian Student Society and are good friends of mine we made arrangements for a quick fun shoot just prior to their own graduation ceremonies later this week. I know that all three of them have worked hard to reach this final step in their collegiate careers so I just wanted to pass along this piece of advice as they graduate into today’s uncertain times: no matter how bleak things may look, never give up on your dreams because few of us rarely achieve them overnight. We all need a little bit, or for some a lot of luck at times but as long as you keep your heads up and as long as you keep on trying you’ll put yourself in the right position to take advantage of the luck that’s needed to reach your dreams when it does come knocking on your door.

So with that in mind guys, congratulations on your huge achievement, good luck, reach for the stars and I wish you only the best with your next journey in life.