John Catsimatidis’ 07
“ Purpose and Challenge”
John Catsimatidis’ 07
“ Think about a moment in time when you were doing something, and time disappeared, where you were totally absorbed in the activity.” John Catsimatidis’ 07’ s Young Alumni Chapel talk invited the high school age alumni and current eighth graders to lean into their passions and interests.“ When we genuinely enjoy something, it can lead you to excellence.” For John, it was an affinity for computer class, discovered while he was a student at Saint David’ s.“ I could take ideas that were in my head and build something.” While working at his computer, he would experience that“ flow” state of losing oneself in a project or activity because it aligns with your passions and interest.
“ Excelsior … upwards and onwards. Build habits that lift you. You’ re just a few years away from being able to change the world, trust me. Stay in the work that makes time disappear. Challenge yourself. Follow your values. Believe in yourself. And rise.”
“ You never know how the things you learn here, or the hobbies you follow now, will shape your future,” he said.“ Every failure expands your capability. Every challenge develops you. Every interest plants seeds that may not sprout for years.
“ And here’ s the truth: you cannot have that kind of impact unless you’ re operating in the same state I asked you to think about earlier. When time flies by. When the work feels like play. When failure feels like a challenge, not a catastrophe. Nobody wants to play video games on easy mode. You start on easy, then medium, then hard, then expert. Your brain likes challenge. Your heart likes purpose. Real success requires both.”
It took John a while to find his place in success. He learned from some failures and setbacks that he needed to connect his love for programming to his values, leading him to create a non-profit platform.“ If I could leave you with one message today, it’ s this: Let your values lead you into excellence.”
“ Saint David’ s teaches values like generosity, service, excellence, faith, gratitude and much more,” he said.“ These are what shape you.”
His closing words to the boys:“ Let your values be your habit. Challenge yourself; follow your values, and believe in yourself.”
86 • Saint David’ s Magazine • 75th Anniversary Edition