I think this is so important - what's not done well at education at every level - is helping kids find, as I discovered for myself, what I was good at. I was very lucky to find out that at an early age, which set my direction in life.
I loved school, was an exceptional student, and found a passion for math and science that led me to Vanderbilt University, where I discovered the world of electrical engineering. I did well in college, loved the work I was doing, and soon found myself climbing the corporate ladder after graduation. I was one of the lucky ones.
I always loved retail. I love the ideas behind it. I think small-business retail is one of the areas where capitalism works so wonderfully well.
Don't settle for anything other than your passion - if you're lucky enough to find it.
I was lucky enough at a young age to find out what I had a passion for, but whatever you've got a curiosity for, just give it a shot.
Someday, when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I'll tell them: I loved you enough to bug you about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home. ... I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover your friend was a creep. I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way with a bite out of it to a drugstore and confess, 'I stole this.' ... But most of all I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.
It sounds so early - retiring at 28. But I don't feel it's that early for me. If you're blessed enough and you're gifted and you're lucky enough, and you've got a fortunate career, then you can take that step back. I'm just happy that I did it.
My acting started with musicals in elementary school, so singing is something I've always done, never done professionally - so you're not going to find me on "The Voice" or anything - but it is something that I have a lot of fun doing, and can do well enough to keep up with people in shows.
And, more importantly, reach for the stars. And realize that it is never too late – not now, not ever – for you to pursue your passion, your pursuit of perfection. And most importantly, your perseverance for making it happen.
I was lucky enough to find stand-up really early in life. And I'm so grateful that I did, because the second I found it, I was like, 'I know what I want to do'.
I was lucky enough to have parents who started me on music very early, but most kids don't get that kind of exposure.
You know, I've kind of been lucky enough to always work with established actors or big names or people that are really popular or infamous for doing what they do and doing it well, I guess.
In our sport you're very lucky to find a horse of a lifetime and I found mine relatively early. He's done everything for me and I owe him the world.
I went to the school and put it to William, particularly, that if you find someone you love in life, you must hang onto it, and look after it, and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you, then you must protect it.
If you're lucky enough to have done well, then it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down.
I feel that if you are blessed, or lucky enough, to be doing well, you should help others.