Living Life, With No Regrets
by, Clinton Ade-Agyui
University High School has been home to many successful people. One, in particular, is an alumnus that I got the opportunity to interview, Mr. Michael Ivery. Mr. Ivery is the Operations Specialist for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by day and the owner and CEO of his own company, Eclipse Graffix Media Professionals by night. While Mr. Ivery loves running his own business, he is also very passionate about his day job as well. He finds the work to be very important, as it affects many people's lives. I respect that because Mr. Ivery's business has really taken off and yet he stays in his day job.
Mr. Ivery shared this with me about the work he does as the CEO of Eclipse Graffix where he specializes in graphic design, photography (video) and printing:
"Some images that highlight out business would be a shot of a 20 ft by 30 ft step & repeat backdrop for a Fox sports Superbowl 48 Party. Those are the large backdrops you see on red carets and sporting events. We also [took photos] at the event. And we were privileged enough to cover BET's 2016 Black Girls Rock." (click the link for a full recap)
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| Black Girls Rock Photo: Eclipse Graffix |
Another highlight would be having the ability to Capture the 2017 CIAA Celebrity Charity Basketball Game after only having relocated to Charlotte for 6 months and have been asked back to cover the 2018 game on March 3, 2018, at the Spectrum Center (home for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets). Last but not least, I had a photo featured in Jet Magazine back in 2011"
I had to the opportunity to speak with Mr. Ivery on various topics. Our conversation started by discussing what he did after high school.
What college(s) did you attend after graduating from University?
"Immediately following Graduation I attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where I became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and received my Associates Degree in Accounting in 2000. I took some time off afterward to tend to family matters. Then, I did one year at Rutgers New Brunswick where I finished on the Dean's list both Semesters. I completed my degree online at Kaplan University in 2008 where I received a Bachelors in Business Management with a concentration in Finance.”
When I asked Mr. Ivery if he thought University High School adequately prepared you for college and/or a career, said the following, "In addition to the academics, the family environment and bonds built with my Phoenix family, definitely prepared me for my post graduation journey-- whether it was playing college sports to starting my own business, to taking care of my family."
I then asked Mr. Ivery, if you had to do high school all over again, what would you do differently?
“There are very few if any things that I would do differently. My experiences made me into the man I am today.”
I agree with Mr. Ivery, one should live their life without regrets and use each moment as an opportunity to learn and grow.
I asked Mr. Ivery to share his fondest memory from his days at University and the thing he looked most forward to doing. He said the following:
“ I looked forward to attending Mr. Hankerson's class (Math Class) and game days during basketball season.”
I followed that question up by asking Mr. Ivery to share with me his personal attributes that he feels are essential for success in his profession. His response:
“My drive, work ethic and desire for excellent customer service are just a few of the attributes. You have to have a will to never give up because you are not always going to hear yes and every experience isn't going to be positive, but never let that deter you, keep pushing forward and never give up.”
When I asked Mr. Ivery to share his advice with current students he refers back to an Arabian proverb he learned in the 8th grade which states:
“He who knows not,
and knows not that he knows not,
he is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not,
and knows that he knows not,
he is a simple; Teach him.
He who knows,
and knows not that he knows,
he is asleep; Wake him.
He who knows,
and knows that he knows,
he is Wise; Follow him.”
He went on to say, “I encourage you all to follow your dreams and always give 200% at everything you do. Never give up and always remember to celebrate the small victories.”
Essentially, Mr. Ivery seems like a very determined and down to earth man. He seems to be very keen on seeing people like me succeed and continuing the great legacy of success at University High school.
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