To Our 2019 Graduates…
It’s that time of year. Graduation is around the corner. Excitement is in the air. Everything you’ve worked so hard for in the past 4-years is coming to an end. This chapter is closing and a new one is getting ready to surface, one where your hopes and dreams will come into fruition. Today, we celebrate you, our 2019 graduates, our #WakeEntrepreneurs. The first-class liberal arts education that you’ve received at Wake Forest University has prepared you for what life has to offer and we can’t wait to see where you’ll go!
Here are some words of wisdom from Wake Forest University entrepreneurial graduates:
Nick Gray, Founder of Museum Hack, Class of 2004
- Build a product or service that you and your friends would pay for.
- The best book about entrepreneurship for a college graduate that I could recommend right now is The San Francisco Fallacy by Jonathan Siegel.
- If you can, start your business on nights and weekends. Take a job – any job – so that you don’t have to take out a loan to pay your bills. Live below your means. Save money. Work on your business in your free time on nights and weekends. When you have customers and you’re making money, only then should you consider your business ready to launch and quit your job.
Lauren Miller, Co-Founder of UpDog Kombucha, Class of 2017
- “I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time since starting UpDog Kombucha. Nothing can teach you more about yourself and business than diving into such a challenging and creative journey. I even approach the difficult times with enthusiasm because I have learned to be excited about tackling challenges and have significantly gained confidence in my ability to problem solve. It’s an adventure and I work every day, but I’ve learned to balance it with taking care of myself and investing time in my personal life, which keeps me sane and happy.”
Afton Vechery, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Fertility, Class of 2011
- “Grit + growth mindset = win. Set ambitious goals and constantly go above and beyond what is expected of you.”
Alex Smereczniak, Co-Founder and CEO of 2ULaundry, Class of 2014
- “You are entering the most exciting times of your life. No major responsibilities, no family, no distractions. This is the perfect moment in life to maximize learning, take risks, and do something your future self will regret not doing. “
Jake Teitelbaum, Founder of Resilience Gives, Class of 2017
- “Starting a business is an emotional roller coaster: in a single afternoon, you’ll move from boundless excitement over your latest victory to getting hit with a wrench and feeling impending doom. Beyond solving the problems at hand, you need to understand how you’re coping with the lows and managing the highs – if you’re doing your job well, the stakes only grow.”
Nikki Azzara, Founder of P.S. Snacks, Class of 2014
- “I could not agree more with Maya Angelou when she says: “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.” I believe that the definition of success is all relative, though finding passion, purpose and a genuine love for your career and life beyond the classroom is the ultimate accomplishment.”
#WakeEntrepreneurs, we are super excited for you! No matter where you go or what you do, know that our entire team at the Center for Entrepreneurship is here for you, whether you are near or far! Congratulations 2019 Graduates! #GoDeacs