19 Dec Now it’s time to make mistakes (A post directed to the newly graduated students)
A couple of days ago, I had the honor of donning the attire of my new position (as dean of the Economics Department) during the graduation ceremony at the Bolivian Catholic University. Thanks to a kind invitation from the university, I was able to virtually accompany the bright young professionals. As I watched the photos of these young men and women scroll by, I thought about what I would like to say to them in this youthful stage of their lives. The first thing that came to mind was a conversation I had with my son, Santi, a few months ago, which revolved around making mistakes.
At that moment, I shared with Santi my perspective on the paths of learning in life. I told him something like this: “Son, life is like a PlayStation game. How do you beat the levels ahead of you?” I asked. He replied, “By trying again and again.” That’s when I took the chance to “sell my wisdom.” I told him that perhaps we learn from our successes, but we learn much more from our mistakes—just like in a PlayStation game. That’s why we must lose our fear of making mistakes, I told him, because the only way to come out on top in Fortnite is by trying a thousand times – that is, losing a thousand times. In other words, by making mistakes a thousand times.
Now, turning back to the newly graduated students: if I could share one piece of advice with them face to face, it would be this: “Now is the time to make mistakes.” In the years ahead, you will face countless decisions—some good, some bad. What truly matters is not avoiding mistakes but daring to take risks, embracing opportunities, and living fully. Step boldly into the world, savor the unfamiliar, try new things, navigate by the stars, and meet new people—all without the fear of failure holding you back.
Too often, I hear words like “loser,” “failure,” or “frustrated”—words that deeply sadden me. Society tends to unfairly criticize those who take risks and stumble, those who dare to dream and fall short, or those whose enthusiasm leads to temporary setbacks. Instead, we should be reaching out to lift these people up, encouraging them to persevere until they find success.
Our collective fear of failure is so entrenched that we often choose the safest paths: the secure job, the trip with a guaranteed return, the house mortgage, the car loan—you know exactly what I mean. But life’s most rewarding experiences often come from venturing into the uncertain, even at the risk of falling.
But let me be clear: I don’t want to be misunderstood. Being cautious is good. What I mean is that you shouldn’t be overly cautious so early in life. Between the ages of 25 and 35, you have every right to make mistakes repeatedly – if those mistakes guide you toward a good destination. I trust you, dear reader, to understand that this “right to make mistakes” is not a license to “goof off” or act irresponsibly. Instead, it’s a right to live more freely and, perhaps, more joyfully.
What are the computer or Atari games I remember most fondly? Certainly not the ones I finished in a single afternoon, but those that were hard to beat. Because, at the end, the fun is also in the journey, not just in reaching the goal.
S. Mauricio Medinaceli Monrroy
New Orleans
December 19, 2020
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