LYNN— Words of wisdom were shared with St. Mary’s graduating seniors Friday when the Class of 2019 was treated to a visit from Sean Stellato. A NFLPA Certified Agent who grew up in Salem, Stellato touched on several topics with the Spartans.
He started the afternoon by holding an autographed photo of Patriots special teamer Brandon King, a 2-time Super Bowl champion and client of Stellato’s.
“Who would like this photo?” Stellato asked the seniors as he lifted the photo.
After a few seconds of silence he said, “When you want something in life, what do you do? You go get it.”
A pair of students raced toward the photo before one came away with it to bring Stellato’s message to fruition.
The rest of the afternoon was about Stellato inspiring the young adults. He discussed his journey toward becoming the starting quarterback at Salem High in the early 1990’s (despite being considered undersized for the position), the life lessons he learned through football, the value of remaining faithful to goals and the risks he took in becoming a licensed agent.
“I just hope I can touch each one of them in a way that they can take something out of my narrative and bring it into their daily lives to help them be successful,” Stellato said. “They’re at a fragile age from emotions, to uncertainties, to stress levels. I just want to let them know to enjoy the moment. A lot of us look ahead and think about goals instead of enjoying the process.
“A lot of times when we have setbacks that’s when we learn a lot about ourselves,” Stellato said. “How you respond to adversity gives you thicker skin. That gives you a perspective on life.”
With prom season underway, Stellato shared a story from his own prom experiences. He still carries a vivid recollection of a post-prom gathering that didn’t end the way he and his friends hoped it would.
“Be transparent with your parents,” Stellato said. “If they’re asking you questions it’s because they care. Let them know who you’re with and where you’re going.”
High school seniors often find themselves at a crossroads, undecided about what decisions to make as they consider their future endeavors. Stellato offered advice to those who find themselves in that situation.
“It’s about what your passion is,” Stellato said. “A lot of times people go through life and do things they’re not passionate about. They just look at it as a job and not something that excites them. For me, every Monday’s like a Friday or Saturday to me. It’s a new opportunity.”
Stellato said patience is key in attempting to reach goals. Those who find success in what they pursue, more often than not, understand that there’s a process ahead of them. And it doesn’t happen overnight.
“It’s an exciting time for these kids,” Stellato said. “One message I wanted to highlight is progress. Get better every day. Don’t waste the blessings and talents you’re given. Work on your weaknesses. If you work on them, you’ll be better prepared in college and when you get those opportunities.”
It’s been a busy stretch for Stellato, who helped eight of his clients land pro contracts after last weekend’s NFL Draft. The list includes Johnathan Thomas, a Peabody native and St. John’s Prep alum who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Stellato’s group of clients also includes King, Jonathan Jones, Obi Melifonwu and Ryan Allen- all members of last season’s Patriots Super Bowl championship team.
“The draft was great,” Stellato said. “You always want one player to get his name called but I’ll take eight guys signed. That’s a testament of a good agent, making sure that you get your clients opportunities. That’s what I did. I don’t feel whole if I sign a kid and don’t get him that opportunity.”
