On May 16, I was presented with an honorary doctorate from Long Island University—the very place where I earned my pharmacy degree so many years ago. I was also deeply honored to address this year’s graduating class.

Of the two honors, the opportunity to speak to the graduates may have meant even more than the degree. Why? Because young people need support, encouragement, and reminders that they matter. In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast—and where many feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued—my hope is to be a voice that says: You are here for a reason. You are valuable. You are enough.

This message isn’t just for college graduates. It’s also for those who didn’t go to college, those who didn’t finish, and even those who graduated but still feel uncertain about what comes next. We all need encouragement, no matter where we are on the journey.

Here’s what I shared with the graduates—and what I’d share with anyone who’s navigating change, chasing purpose, or simply trying to figure things out:

Be comfortable with who you are.

There’s no one else with your exact combination of interests, abilities, and experiences. You are as unique as your fingerprint—and that uniqueness is your strength and your gift.

Be yourself.

Don’t try to imitate others. The best you can ever be is a second-rate version of someone else, but you can be the first-rate version of you.

Ignore the naysayers. Even if the loudest voice is your own inner skeptic. History is filled with examples of people who did what others said couldn’t be done.

Believe in yourself and persist.

It doesn’t matter how many times you fall; what matters is how many times you get up.

Fear of failure leads to failure. If you’re not afraid of failure, you won’t let it stop you. I failed many times while building my skincare company, but I never let my failures stop me. Failure is just information: something I tried that didn’t work. Figuring out how to turn failure into success is what makes living an adventure. So,

Don’t let failure spoil your success. Instead, let failure guide you to success!

Discover your hidden talents. We all have them. I didn’t find out that I had artistic talent until I was old enough to be retired! Now painting is one of my greatest joys. I believe that everyone has hidden talents. Be willing to try new things so that you have the opportunity to discover yours.

Be brave enough to make difficult decisions. Not everything you try will work out. Life may throw curveballs or force you to change direction. Those moments will test you. But they’re also the times you’ll grow the most. Trust yourself.

After all,

We are each born with a unique commodity called life. It is stressed by the environment, and it is up to us to make the best of it. You are the authority in your own life. You are the only one who can reconcile the balance sheet.

I believe in you. Now it’s up to you to believe in yourselves.

Congratulations to all the graduates—and to everyone who is walking their own courageous, unconventional, and beautiful path.

That’s #ModernWellness!