Former Boston Mayor, U.S. Secretary of Labor, and current Executive Director of the NHL Players’ Association Marty Walsh came to Milton High School in December as a special guest for Joshua Hammermesh’s business classes. Both periods C and D were packed with students, some in Mr. Hammermesh’s classes and others who are simply enthusiastic about business and politics, all interested in what he had to say.

After class, a notable moment occurred as students were leaving. Students shook his hand and asked if he knew a family member or close family friend. He did not utter the words “I don’t think so” once. Every person a student asked about, he smiled and asked how they were doing, demonstrating the importance of personal connections.

During the class, Walsh spoke about his childhood and life before politics. As a child, he was diagnosed with cancer and was told he did not have long to live, but he survived after many treatments. Because of the school he missed, he had to repeat fifth grade, which affected his academic path for years to come. He explained that he struggled in both high school and college and often found it difficult to focus in the classroom.

Despite these challenges, Walsh emphasized that he was always passionate about his work. Rather than excelling academically, he found direction by joining a labor union, where he began building professional skills and relationships that would later prove valuable.

Later in his life, Walsh faced a major setback due to his struggle with alcoholism, which eventually led him to rehab. About a year after successfully completing treatment, he ran for office. Although he joked that his initial motivation for politics was wanting his name on a bumper sticker, he explained that he soon came to appreciate it as a way to help people and improve Boston. As mayor, he frequently went around the city assisting residents, and to this day, some of the homeless individuals he helped still recognize him.

Marty Walsh was able to obtain high-ranking positions in government, and now in the sports industry, not only through hard work but also by consistently taking time to talk with people and make professional connections.

According to Apollo Technical, 80% of professionals found that networking was an essential key to their success. At Milton High, there are multiple opportunities for students to make these connections. For example, students participate in field trips to colleges and organizations. Additionally, as seen with Walsh’s visit, Mr. Hammermesh’s marketing and business classes are frequently visited by guest speakers.

For students interested in government-oriented careers, meeting Marty Walsh in one of Mr. Hammermesh’s classes is a valuable opportunity to express ideas and discuss future plans. Networking is not limited to politics or college opportunities. Students interested in the military also have chances to attend seminars and speak with military representatives who visit Milton High periodically.

In high school, students are encouraged to network in as many ways as possible to make it easier to find a job after graduation. This is especially true in present-day America, where securing employment can be difficult. According to the Financial Post, 25% of unemployed Americans attended a four-year college or hold a college degree.

Students at Milton High should take advantage of the networking opportunities available to them, because with or without a college degree, finding a job can be challenging. Marty Walsh, despite not finishing his first semester of college, was still able to achieve success by joining the Massachusetts House of Representatives largely due to his previous connections. When he later earned a college degree, those connections only helped advance his career further.

Marty Walsh has accomplished a great deal in his life and continues to do so. He persevered through cancer, alcoholism, and other challenges, while still forming the professional connections necessary to make a significant and positive impact on Boston and the United States.