10 Inspiring Lessons From 40-Year-Old Des Yaninen To His Younger Self At The Pacific Adventist University

Des Yaninen, a successful business owner and community leader, shared some valuable life lessons that he wishes he knew when he was younger. He emphasized the importance of working hard towards your goals, making smart financial decisions, being kind to everyone, understanding that people can change, and getting involved in various activities to build relationships and skills outside the classroom.

Des also highlighted the significance of using protection, whether it’s in relationships or in matters of sexual health, and advised against rushing into relationships, being rebellious, or disloyal. He stressed the value of being teachable, humble, and loyal to friends and family.

Moreover, Des talked about the importance of faith and trusting in God’s guidance, believing that seeking a relationship with God can bring joy, peace, and contentment in life. He shared these lessons before the academic community of the Pacific Adventist University on its 40th Anniversary with the hope that others, especially young individuals, can learn from his experiences and make wise choices for a successful and fulfilling future.

Read on and be inspired!

10 LESSONS TO MY YOUNGER SELF

By Des Yaninen

This week PAU celebrates it’s 40th anniversary. I also turned 40 recently. I have made many mistakes in my life. I have had highs and lows. Today as a business owner, I employ over 50 people. I have helped thousands of individuals create wealth and employment. I am instrumental in nation building – having done significant work in the SME space over several years.

And I also founded a Charity organization that provides over 20,000 meals and supplies to the disadvantaged and downtrodden of society every year for the past 5 years. If I could go back in time and share some wisdom with my 20-year-old self while I was a university student at PAU, these are the insights I would impart.

Lessons 1. Grades matter, but so do hobbies

Your GPA determines what kind of job you get, whether you qualify for a scholarship to do your Masters degree, etc. But your hobbies can also determine how much money you make later in life. I have many friends who now make more money pursuing their passion rather than working in the fields they got degrees in. If you like academics, then strive to get the highest GPA. If you are more interested in your hobbies, then strive to be the best at what you do. Either way, as long as you are the best and what you pursue, you will still be successful.

Lessons 2. Build good money habits

Many millionaires today actually started business when they were still in school. Life is hard. Don’t waste money on things young people spend money on like fashion or entertainment or harmful substances. I regret not investing into BSP shares 20 years ago. A K10,000 investment back then would be worth over K100,000 today. Open up a bank account. Discipline yourself to save money. Figure out how you can earn money. I sold phone cards when I was in Uni.

Lessons 3. Use protection

The ideal Christian standard is to not have sex before marriage. But if you are, use a condom. Having a baby in school or aborting a child so you can continue studies can have lasting consequences. It also protects you from sexually transmitted infections. Fortunately I wasn’t involved in such activities as a student but I have seen first hand how devastating it can be over the short and long term.

Lessons 4. Be kind to everyone

That struggling student you help might one day become the Prime Minister or a CEO who will become a blessing to you and your children, all because you showed a little kindness. It also applies to the cleaner who works on campus or the security guard or the cook. Be kind to those small people as well. They may have kids who will grow up to be very influential, or they may have a family member who already is. You never know. You reap what you sow.

Lessons 5. People Change

Don’t write someone off because you think they will never amount to anything in life. People change. I’ve seen people change from drug addicts to wonderful leaders. Sadly, some have gone from being role models to negative influence. Be compassionate. Have empathy.

Lessons 6. Get involved

Don’t limit yourself to just school work. Get involved in church activities or sports or student associations. Indirectly you are building your network who will support you in the future. You will also learn valuable lessons in leadership and time management that are not taught in the classroom. These come in handy when you are applying for a job or bidding for a contract later in life.

Don’t rush into relationships. Expect heartbreak. Don’t see more than 1 person at a time. Sounds like common sense. But for whatever reason you are compelled to have multiple relationships at the same time, know that you won’t be able to keep it up forever. Something will suffer. Whether your grades or your emotions. Be careful.

Lessons 8. Don’t act smart

Being rebellious doesn’t pay. Be teachable. Be humble. Lecturers are human beings. Your attitude and behavior will affect the grade you get at the end of the semester. They have the power to pass you or fail you, and many times it’s not just based on grades, but also your attitude.

Lessons 9. Be loyal

Relationship wise, if your best friend breaks up with a girl, don’t date her next. Girls, don’t steal your sister’s boyfriend. If you develop a habit of doing that in Uni, you may take it on into your later life and destroy lives and marriages. Regarding friendships, being a loyal friend is golden. When you are sick or struggling, your friends are your support system who will be there for you. Don’t do anything to jeopardize your relationships.

In John 10:10 it says that the devil just wants to destroy you, and Jesus just wants to bless you. God may seem boring to you as a uni student trying to experience life, but eventually, you will realize that God’s word is true and God is always right. Had you put Him first in your life, it would’ve saved you from unnecessary pain and suffering and heartbreak. The bible says to remember your Creator in the days of your youth. It will change the trajectory of your life and you will having more joy, peace, happiness and contentment as a result. God is always right. Seek Him first.

Once again, congratulations to the Pacific Adventist University on your 40th anniversary. May you continue to expand and grow in your mission to “Educate To Serve”.

Article Source: https://aunamelo.wordpress.com/2024/07/05/10-lessons-to-my-younger-self/

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