You see, sometimes the message just can't get any better, and thus, to amend a statement or modify a phrase would betray the original sentiment. And sometimes, the original was...well...in the Queen's English...utter crap, making revision essential to my credibility with readership, which should eclipse 25 any day now. Of course, one must be able to discern which content needs revised versus retained, and I fully expect to have that mastered before pigs fly over a frozen hell.
Last year, I wrote a post for the Class of 2013, thinking it would become an annual tradition in which I shared all the wisdom gained across the last year, but in re-reading last year's message, I've realized one of two things. Either I peaked in the wisdom department at 36, or I got the message pretty right the first time. I'm honestly not sure which is more accurate--probably a little of both--but as my father never used to say, "If it ain't broke, maybe tweak it just a little."
So here is my mostly recycled, slightly revised, but still just as heart felt message to the Class of 2014 on the eve of their graduation from college...
As an educator, I grow older each year, and yet, my charges remain stuck in time, forever 18-22. You see, when this college thing works as it should, students eventually graduate...hopefully in 4 years, maybe 5 years time (no shame, victory lappers). And for me, there's something incredibly satisfying in shepherding a student from orientation to graduation. You are optimally positioned to witness the growth, achievements, and victories of the students you have grown to know and love...which makes these final days of the academic year a touch bittersweet.
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| Corbin Burns & Me - Senior Party - |
At my Alma mater, we have a tradition called The Last Great Reception in which a faculty member offers a toast to the graduating class. It's a powerful, touching, and slightly rowdy tradition (that's what happens when you give booze to the parents of graduating seniors), but it's made me reflect on what I would say to a group of graduating seniors if I had my time at the podium.
So instead of a mic, I have my blog, and from my luminescent podium, I have some things to share with you, the Class of 2014--those I have grown to love in my current role and those I will forever hold dear even though I am no longer present in their daily lives.
Some of my words will be practical and some philosophical, but all of them are heartfelt:
You...are...precious. I don't mean that in a "condescending, creepy Uncle Ben, everybody gets a trophy" kind of way. I mean that in the "you are a gift to this world, don't let anyone tell you otherwise" kind of way. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and acknowledge your awesomeness. Abandon those who make you feel "less than" for embracing your, well, you-ness. Tell that self-defeating voice in your head to stuff it. Replace that voice with mine, and you'll always know that you are cherished by many.
You...are...fallible. What?! Seems a bit contradictory juxtaposed to my last statement. It's not. Mistakes don't make a person any less worthy of appreciation and respect. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and help them make you an even better version of yourself. When I am at my strongest and most confident, I have great comfort in acknowledging my faults, and quite frankly, I like the flawed version of myself much better than the mask of perfection I sometimes try to hide behind.
On Love. Love and be loved by a partner who makes you whole, but also, makes you someone who can stand alone. Wow, another contradiction! I say, nay, my friends...or maybe it's just that love is the perfect contradiction. My wife and I value our independence, and yet we enjoy life much better as a pair. We allow each other to be our authentic selves even when that authenticity creates conflict. We compromise daily without compromising ourselves. And the end result? A blessed union that is my greatest source of strength. I hope that you find your own perfect contradiction in time.
Live your passion. I say two things to every incoming class. One, you have the potential to be world-changers in ways both big and small. Two, "Figure out what you care about and live a life that shows it" (John Hoyt). Okay, I also say, "Claim your education," but I digress. As you graduate, I reiterate these statements again, and I hope you find a way to take your knowledge, tools, and talents to engage in truly fulfilling work. I was a gift to find that in my work with you, and it is work I was born to do.
Contribute to the dialogue; not the cacophony. As of late, it appears that we have elected to eschew intellectual discourse for commentary that preys upon our basest fears...reduced to meme form. We live in a complex world with complex problems, and we owe it to each other to educate ourselves, seek out alternative perspectives, and find solutions based in reality rather than screaming from the sidelines of the far left or far right. That, my friends, is your education in action.
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| Austin Fann & Haley Williams - Senior Party - |
Some of my words will be practical and some philosophical, but all of them are heartfelt:
You...are...precious. I don't mean that in a "condescending, creepy Uncle Ben, everybody gets a trophy" kind of way. I mean that in the "you are a gift to this world, don't let anyone tell you otherwise" kind of way. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and acknowledge your awesomeness. Abandon those who make you feel "less than" for embracing your, well, you-ness. Tell that self-defeating voice in your head to stuff it. Replace that voice with mine, and you'll always know that you are cherished by many.
You...are...fallible. What?! Seems a bit contradictory juxtaposed to my last statement. It's not. Mistakes don't make a person any less worthy of appreciation and respect. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and help them make you an even better version of yourself. When I am at my strongest and most confident, I have great comfort in acknowledging my faults, and quite frankly, I like the flawed version of myself much better than the mask of perfection I sometimes try to hide behind.
On Love. Love and be loved by a partner who makes you whole, but also, makes you someone who can stand alone. Wow, another contradiction! I say, nay, my friends...or maybe it's just that love is the perfect contradiction. My wife and I value our independence, and yet we enjoy life much better as a pair. We allow each other to be our authentic selves even when that authenticity creates conflict. We compromise daily without compromising ourselves. And the end result? A blessed union that is my greatest source of strength. I hope that you find your own perfect contradiction in time.
Live your passion. I say two things to every incoming class. One, you have the potential to be world-changers in ways both big and small. Two, "Figure out what you care about and live a life that shows it" (John Hoyt). Okay, I also say, "Claim your education," but I digress. As you graduate, I reiterate these statements again, and I hope you find a way to take your knowledge, tools, and talents to engage in truly fulfilling work. I was a gift to find that in my work with you, and it is work I was born to do.
Contribute to the dialogue; not the cacophony. As of late, it appears that we have elected to eschew intellectual discourse for commentary that preys upon our basest fears...reduced to meme form. We live in a complex world with complex problems, and we owe it to each other to educate ourselves, seek out alternative perspectives, and find solutions based in reality rather than screaming from the sidelines of the far left or far right. That, my friends, is your education in action.
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| Robert Potts, Megan Kopkin, Jenny Lewis, Victor Griffin, Maulin Shah, & Claire McIlwraith - Honor Council Seniors - |
It's been a blessing to be a part of the last few years of your life, but I can take little credit in the people you've become. I was simply a witness to it, and as one who really paid attention, know that you have much to be proud of on this day before your special day. You have grown into the world-changers I knew you would become.
So as your time here comes to a close and you step onto a different, far bigger stage, know that I remain in the audience, still in awe of your talents, and cheering you on just as I've always been.
Cheers, Class of 2014. Your time has come.
So as your time here comes to a close and you step onto a different, far bigger stage, know that I remain in the audience, still in awe of your talents, and cheering you on just as I've always been.
Cheers, Class of 2014. Your time has come.
