Can you imagine being fired and it being national, or international news? This happens to many people in the limelight; pro and college coaches, CEOs of public companies, folks in Hollywood and the editor of the New York Times.  When this happens, whether it is national news or not, the best thing you can do is take the high road and move on.  Being fired may feel like the end of the world, but soon you might realize it was the best thing that ever happened to you.

Jill Abramson was fired last week by the New York Times and it was definitely major news.  I think it shocked the media world.  There have been many articles about why she was fired, what went wrong, who is to blame.  I cannot imagine having my life scrutinized as hers has been this past week.

Today, Ms. Abramson spoke at the Wake Forest Commencement and one of the first things she said was, “I think the only real news here today, is your graduation.” What a great opportunity for the Wake Forest graduates to hear from someone who has had an amazing career and was just recently fired.  The message to the graduates: It can happen to you and if it does, pick yourself up and find something better.

I think it is very commendable that Ms. Abramson got up this morning and stood in front of everyone at the commencement (and the world really) and said that she picked herself up and moved on.  She told the graduates that she doesn’t know what is next for her and that she is in the same boat as they are…looking for a job.  Congrats to you Ms. Abramson for your grace and gumption!