Dan Roth, the executive editor at LinkedIn, sent an email inviting people on Linked In to write a post with the theme of "If I Were 22" as a message to college graduates. I smiled, because every year about this time I get more reflective about where my life journey has taken me. I was even given the chance to share my thoughts as the student commencement speaker at North Carolina State University (see picture above) way back in 1989. I often think about what I would do differently if I were starting my professional career again-or what choices I am thrilled that I made. So in honor of all the "22ish" college graduates (wanted to include those on the 6 year plan), here are my 22 reflections from that Linked In article:

It was the most incredulous thing I had seen in quite awhile. I kept looking to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. I even rechecked the Diet Coke I was drinking to make sure someone hadn't added something to it. There were at least ten teenage and early twenty-somethings standing and sitting idly nearby... and not ONE of them was texting or staring into a mobile device. They didn't even have one with them! Was this a flashback to the 90's? Was I hallucinating? No. They were lifeguards. And to be successful in their roles, they can't afford to have any distractions.

Last week we exhibited at the Association for Talent Development (Formerly ASTD) conference and exposition in Washington DC. We had numerous conversations with individuals who are struggling with their productivity in an environment where there are limitless distractions. One particular interaction was truly telling.

We noticed the lady walking slowly along the aisle where our booth was located, seeming a bit lost or not sure what to do. Greeting her with a warm smile, she stopped at our booth and we began talking about her role with training and how our products and services could be of benefit. A few minutes later she commented, "This has been so nice. Thanks for the conversation." Seeing the curiosity in my face as to her reasons for making such an unusual comment, she continued.

One of the TV shows I relish watching is American Pickers on the History Channel. Frank and Mike are two "Antique Archaeologists" who are searching for rusty gold in barns, buildings, and anywhere else people might have stored things of value or simply items from their past. The "pick" is the actual search through boxes, piles, or shelves. They then bargain with the owners, attempting to buy the item at a price they can then resell to someone else-or keep as a treasure of their own. I enjoy the history given on the items and always learn so much. Mike and Frank's banter is also engaging and endearing.

My 10 year old loves anything related to art. It doesn't matter whether it's sewing, pottery, painting, or drawing; give her the tools and she will spend an incredible amount of hours in her own little world. Last week she even set up her own "artist table" in her bedroom. In a world dominated by a desire for all things electronic, watching Sydney focus on such a timeless skill is refreshing, and my wife and I are grateful.

From time to time she will invite me to participate in these Michelangelo moments. Unlike Sydney, however, I have the artistic skills of a dog, and I apologize to the dog. But I love making the attempt and spending precious time with her.

Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest known living survivor of the Holocaust, died Sunday. She was 110 years old. She and her five year old son were imprisoned at the Theresienstadt concentration camp, while her mother and husband were sent to Auschwitz and were later gassed. Herz-Sommer and her son returned to Prague after the camp was liberated by the Soviet Union in May of 1945.

A music teacher and accomplished pianist, Herz-Sommer was known for her strict routines, eating only chicken or fish for 30 years, swimming daily, and refraining from alcohol. She lived in London until her death. Her life story is documented in the short documentary, The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life.