Graduating from high school or college is a major achievement in a young person's life. Be sure to mention any accolades that distinguish the scholar. If the graduate was an average or below-average student, focus instead on the future. One woman who works in television makes a practice of saying to all new graduates she encounters, "I've met a lot of successful people in my career, but I've never come across anyone who's said, 'I got here because I'm the smartest, most talented, or prettiest.' Successful people get where they are because they work harder than everyone else. And I know that if you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't accomplish."