Princeton grads were given a lot to think about during their commencement address when CBS Nightly News anchorwoman Katie Couric advised them to keep an eye on the future when they’re making big career and life choices.

“I have a message particularly for all you young women here today,” Couric said. “. . . I’m sure you are all graduating with big career goals. You may also have a dream of being married and having a family, and at some point the career may take a backseat. There is no more challenging, rewarding or important job than being a mom. I just want to say this – sometimes dreams of domestic bliss are interrupted by reality. People get divorced. People die. You need to protect yourself.”

“I was very happily married to a wonderful man,” she continued. “He was diagnosed with colon cancer and nine months later, he was gone. I was a single mom with two very young children. This was not part of the plan. Luckily, I had a career and therefore the financial independence to support my children. Many women in my situation are not nearly as fortunate. And while I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, I want you all to be prepared for the unexpected and approach some of the big life decisions you’ll be making with your eyes wide open.” (June 2009)