On Your Graduation Day

Let me start off first by telling you how proud I am of you and what a privilege it was to be your teacher. It is said that teachers are the ones who change lives, yet it was you who truly changed mine. You taught me how to be more empathetic, patient, and kind; an overall better human being. For that, I am eternally grateful. But, today is not about me. Today, we celebrate you.

As you move forward, recognize that the road ahead is not a straight one and there will be many obstacles along the way. Up until this point, you have relied on others to help guide you, but now you must rely on yourself. Follow your intuition and trust that it will guide you in the right direction. Strive for success, but embrace the failures. For it is in these failures when we are humbled and learn most from our mistakes. Use this growth to feed your curiosity, strengthen your resolve, and to do good. We all want greatness. However, know that we are defined by how we reach it. Be compassionate and be kind.

            With that being said, stay true to yourself. As it says in The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” There will be many tests along the way, but as long as you remain confident in who you are, you will never lose your way. Remember, that when you reach 100 years old, it will be you looking back on your life. Live it as you choose to remember it.

With that, I congratulate you on this momentous occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2016. I am there with you in spirit.