Class of 2009

Posted on June 23, 2009. Filed under: Latest News

I attended my step-daughter’s high school graduation ceremony last night. Beautiful; fresh-faced; hopeful young people! The combination of excitment and fear sparkled in their eyes, as if to remind us that they still need us.

Graduation speeches are sort of like wedding sermons.  New grads aren’t paying any more attention to the commencement speeches than a nervous bride and groom are listening to the guy with the bible.  But if you are years beyond your own graduation or wedding, it’s good to listen to the speeches and sermons retrospectively. You can check the inspirational words of wisdom against the realities of your life experience.

One of the speakers last night was especially good. He encouraged the new graduates to take risks; to do some things that cause them to ask, “Why in the heck am I doing this???” and do them anyway. 

I have a few thoughts of my own to pass along to the new class:

  • When the “water” or “oil” lights go on in your car, don’t ignore them.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in your trunk, in case you choose to ignore the “water” or “oil” lights in your car. I wish someone had’ve told me this one.
  • Visualize yourself living in the exact future that you want. It works.
  • Try to hang out with people who you think are more talented, smarter, kinder, than you. It will raise your game.
  • If you spend your time criticizing people who you find less talented, intellegent or not as kind as you, everyone else will know that 1) you are hanging with the wrong crowd or, 2) you have found a false way to build yourself up. Either way, you lose.
  • Forgive. Often. If you are unsure about how to go about this, spend some time with a Golden Retriever.
  • Appreciate Top Ramen.  Somewhere around age 22, you will vow never to eat it again. You’ll rediscover it before you turn 35.
  • If you have children someday, you’ll also rediscover Kraft macaroni and cheese.
  • Laugh at yourself.
  • Laugh at the rest of us, too. We are as awkward and insecure as you are, we’ve just spent more time learning how to look brave.

 I loved one particular pearl in last night’s grad speech: “If you are living small, you aren’t doing anything to make an impact on the world”.    A great reminder for all of us.

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