Commentary: Don't Worry, Be Nervous

By Steven Berry
December 18, 2008

The semester's come to a close and fall graduation is right around the corner.  Some have stressed over final projects and exams while others focused on their final days in Blacksburg.

It's hard to even talk about sometimes because we know how great a community we have here.

I will miss this place. You will miss this place.  Everyone will miss this place.  But it is time, our time, to take what we've felt and breathed here and implement what we learned in the next phase of our lives.

College life at this university is incredible, isn't it?

There are a lot of things we still have to do.  Settle Hokie Passport accounts.  Streak the Drillfield. Secure a reservation for lunch or dinner after the ceremony.  A full happy hour week at Sharkey's. Purchase our caps and gowns. Devour a meal at Home Place. Walk. Scream. Cry.

Other folks are looking for apartments in their new cities or old cities.  Some are finalizing arrangements for their new jobs or old jobs.  There are many who are still looking for jobs.  A few haven't even bothered to search.

There are so many thoughts that travel through our minds on a daily basis. We wonder what life has in store for us. We fear that we won't live up to expectations.

We hope we'll make some money in the worsening economy.  We recognize the significance of our newly elected commander in chief; we also thank whomever or whatever we believe in for the exit of the current one.

We don't compare these two events, but we reflect on our Monday morning in April as we see news coverage of the terror attacks in India. 

We know how to prevail.

But I have something to ease your mind right now. What I'm going to tell you might change your entire view of life, happiness, and everything in between. This phrase I'm about to share with you I nominate as the eternal commencement send-off:

Don't worry, be nervous.

I'm confident that everyone will either find their exact purpose in life or peace with conclusion that their purpose is playing an exceptional game of Hide and Seek. Either group or category you fall in, you will be successful. 

We're Hokies, so we'll ensure the future stays bright for us.

Let's enjoy this moment in time. We are preparing to move in our own directions; we will be Virginia Tech graduates living life, and I guarantee you, life will be great.  Some of us won't have the job we want when we want it, but we cannot let that discourage us. 

Don't worry about a thing, because as the great Bob Marley said, "every little thing is gonna be alright."

And every morning as you smile with the rising sun, be nervous.  There's nothing wrong with being nervous, as long as you're positive.  Be excited. Butterflies in the stomach are incredible creatures. 

They keep you alive. If you're positive and nervous at the same time, it usually means that some incredible things are coming your way. 

Nervousness blossoms into self-assurance. When you're nervous, it also means you're in the moment.  Life is happening, you are an active participant, revel in life's many offerings.

I fully believe that everyone should do anything and everything that makes them happy and fulfilled. In doing that, we make sure we take care of our needs and wants, as well as live for those who once shared those needs and wants with us. 

Now, I say to myself, you go out there and be somebody. Be yourself.  Be the person you want to be.  Let's be more informed; there's great joy in expanding your world and horizons. 

Be a better lover, friend, and supporter. Be proud, because there are plenty of jealous people who wish they could be in our positions right now.

I'm not trying to be holier than thou because trust me as I type this article, I'm taking decent notes. 

Congratulations on your achievements. Next time I'm downtown, I'll drink to you and the great things you will do.