Failure, Laughter, and Fun: Senator Roger Niello’s Three Keys to Success
The atmosphere at the UEI College Sacramento graduation on April 10th was one of high energy and deep inspiration. The Class of 2026 reached a major milestone, and they were joined by a leader who understands both the halls of government and the realities of the business world: California Senator Roger Niello.
As a member of the California Senate Business and Professions Committee and a longtime owner of automotive dealerships, Senator Niello brought a unique perspective to the stage, speaking not just as a legislator, but as an employer who knows the value of skilled professionals.
A Personal Connection
Before taking the podium, Senator Niello took the time to meet personally with our graduates, including the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Given his background in the automotive industry, he took a special interest in our Automotive Technician graduates, discussing the future of the trade and the vital role they play in keeping California moving.
Wisdom for the Road Ahead
During his keynote address, the Senator moved away from policy and focused on the “human” side of professional success. He shared three essential pieces of advice for the new graduates as they enter the workforce:
- Embrace the Lessons in Failure“First of all—don’t be afraid to fail. You’re going to fail, failure is inevitable in life, and it’s really how you learn from it that counts.”
- Keep a Sense of Humor“Second, do not take yourself too seriously. Life is too short to be stressed out all of the time. Learn to laugh. Laugh at the world. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your failures.”
- Find the Joy in the Journey“Third, you gotta have fun. If you have fun in what you do for work, you will never work a day in your life.”
Fueling Sacramento’s Workforce
At UEI, we believe that education should be practical, personal, and purposeful. Having a leader like Senator Niello recognize the hard work of our students reinforces the importance of vocational training in the Sacramento region. Our graduates are leaving with more than just technical skills; they are leaving with the mindset needed to navigate the ups and downs of a long, successful career.
To the Sacramento Class of 2026: Take these words to heart. Work hard, laugh often, and remember that every setback is just a setup for your next big win.
