High School Graduation time has rolled around again, and as I prepare to go graduation party hopping I just wanted to jump back to my graduation (after all, it was just last year).
If you know me and have had the honor (if you want to call it that) of hearing me give a speech, then you know that I am not the best public speaker. I have been told I do not speak loud enough or that I do not speak slow enough, but I do try. So here are the words of wisdom I bestowed upon Nevada High School's Class of 2014.
Superintendent Dr. David Stephens, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tyson Beshore, Principal Mr. Whalen, Vice Principal Mr. Stewart, Distinguished Members of the School Board, Honorable Teachers and Counselors, Beloved Parents and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Graduates:
I couldn't find the right words to say today, but then I stumbled across this - a time capsule. From the Future, Postmarked 2024.
Greeting Earthlings! Do not worry, you have not turned into an alien. Although I hope my invention has turned into a time capsule, ultimately helping this letter find its way to you. I know this is going to sound crazy - but I'm writing this to you from the future. Ten years in the future actually. Where I come from you are preparing for your ten year class reunion. If my calculations are correct you are reading this on your graduation day, Sunday May 25th, 2014.
I congratulate you. Today is your day! You have endured through countless hours, countable days, and very countable years, 13 in fact, to reach this day. You have received much help and I believe several thank yous are in order. First, you need to thank your parents. Without them, you literally, would not be here. Your parents, and other parental figures, started you out on this incredible, educational quest. Second, thank your teachers. Your preschool teachers taught you the alphabet and numbers, more so you were taught how to socialize with one another, in time leading to your friendships. Your elementary and middle school teachers managed all of your rambunctious actions and taught you new facts daily, without the comfort of jeans, I might add. Your high school teachers guided and prepared you for change. From the ABC’s all the way through Rapid Reviews, your teachers have been with you every step of the way. These people have helped you in ways that deserves a magnitude of thank yous, but today is not their day. Today is your day, so, finally, thank the Class of 2014. You would not be who you are today if it was not for your fellow classmates. Some of them have stood by your side, offering friendship, encouragement, and motivation. Others, have forced you to gain strength and perseverance. These skills, memories, and experiences are things that will create a successful future. Today is the day for celebration, so seize it as it is yours.
As a senior you are already old before your time. You spend your day worrying about college, a job, or marriage and a family. These things are important, do not get me wrong, but they are not everything. Live in the moment before the moment passes you by. I challenge you to invest time to stop and smell the roses. Grades may get you scholarships, make your parents proud or enable you to go on “lunch out” but they do not define intelligence. You may not always get the grades you wish for or the job you most desire, and you might panic, but you will make it through and triumphantly come out of the experience with a smile on your face. College, a job, a family; these things will come in there own good time and they will all fall into place seamlessly. Meanwhile, go and assemble your own definition of brilliance.
Soon you will no longer be a senior, but a fresh out of high school graduate. Now is the time to find, for yourself, what is important. Is it the new iPhone? Is it the many pairs of shoes you own or all your colorful leggings? Is it instagram and all the selfies? {man, I wish I had taken a selfie] Is it your high tech fishing pole or hunting gun? You may think these things make up your whole life, but you will miss other opportunities while trying to follow these “interests.” Now is the time to make friendships that last. These kinds of friendships are rarer to discover as the years go by. No longer will you spend your days within the walls of Nevada High School. No longer will chicken patty be your lunch on Wednesdays. No longer are you a high school senior. This is when the adventure starts.
Your adventure is full of adjustment and development. At first, all the changing and growth may seem bizarre, but before you know, it will have become the norm. I want to tell you that you are victorious in accomplishing your goals. How do I know this? Well, I saw you complete and reach the goals you set. You are strong, brave, and determined. Keep living and laughing, Class of 2014. Your future looks bright.
P.S.
You are going to be SO proud of yourself.
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