Make-up of a gala table.

This past week I sat on a career panel. The audience was a mix of college-bound seniors and college freshman, all considered "at-risk" given their backgrounds and family income levels. That stage where you have your entire life ahead of you, but have so many questions.

The career panel was a melting pot. Just like New York City. 

I felt it was important to stress two things. 

Never judge those at your table - perceived impressions are very dangerous. You never know who is sitting beside you, their ability to impact your career or desire to help you along your journey. Treat everyone as an equal, with respect, and truly listen to what they have to say. Inevitably, at some point in your journey, you will be overlooked, ignored, snubbed. Hold on to that experience and let it shape how you treat others in a positive way. 

Never be afraid to share your story. We all have stories, filled with sadness, happiness and those in-between moments that fill our days. Our stories are rich, diverse and make us who we are, no matter the details or what life has handed, or even thrown at us. Your story does not disappear when you begin your career or begin your day, and that's a good thing. It's up to you to choose how you tell your story and how you let it shape you. 

Fast forward 36 hours. 

I'm attending a gala, a lovely evening in the city. The elegant hotel on Fifth Ave. has managed to squeeze in the right amount of people to make it feel like you have arrived at something truly special. And you have, supporting college-bound youth across the five boroughs. 

It's a funny mix. Educators, wealthy, the Mayor and his entourage, corporations, students. 

And I found myself judging. Those perceived impressions hitting my brain rapid-fire. How quickly we forget our own advice… that advice that was given from a place of past experience. 

I was lucky enough to be at the table with the guest of honor. An 18 year old that was highlighted by President Obama during his State of the Union address. He was not and is not afraid to tell his story - to everyone around "those tables"… and it is a rich story, encouraging to others. I also learned other stories that night, why those around those awkward large tables are involved in community efforts. How their past has changed their outlook on the future and why they so badly want to influence and encourage others on that journey. 

We all need reminders. We need to remind others that we are all in this life journey together, on equal footing. And we all stumble… and it's okay to share that with others. In fact, it's needed. 

A lot can happen in 36 hours. 

You can change another person's perspective while being reminded about your own.