COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

I've always dreamed of standing before the graduating class of my high school alma mater and imparting words of wisdom as they commence with their worlds. And, while I wasn't valedictorian of my class, haven't earned advanced degrees or become famous for my philanthropic works, I have lived a few years and would welcome the opportunity. Since I don't ever expect to receive such an invitation, I decided to share my wisdom with you, my loyal readers.

Distinguished Guests, Madame Principal, Parents, Families, Friends and Graduating Seniors of the Class of 2008, I come this evening to share with you lessons I've learned along the way. Many of you will not remember a single word I have to say, some of you will remember bits and pieces and some of you probably wish that we could just skip this part so you could get your diploma and get out of here, but since we have to fill time and must uphold the tradition of a commencement address, I am here.

I come to you this evening not as a successful business man, not as a famous alum of our beloved OHS, but just as an average guy who's lived an average life. I wasn't number one in my class way back in 1992, I didn't even graduate cum laude from college. My primary income doesn't even come from the area where I received my degree. I do not have a wide circle of friends. I do not have a large bank account.

The world into which you are about to go is, in many ways, a more kind world than the one into which I was thrown nearly sixteen years ago. We have technologies that were not around back then. Few, if any, of my classmates had ever heard of the internet when I was sitting where you are. Very few of us even owned a personal computer. We learned to type on electric typewriters. The verb "google" was unknown. We didn't have myspace or facebook or even cell phones. Most of us only received three channels on television. We did live in a word that was racially divided, homophobic, and, dare I say, living in this fair hamlet where we were sheltered from many of the world's vices. The world today is still racially divided, but we've come a long way. For the first time in history we will have either a white female or an African American candidate for president. Meeting a homosexual is far less shocking today than it was in the early 90's, because of mainstream media and most, if not all of us, know a gay person personally. We are a far more advanced society. But, even with the advancements we've made in technology and a society, it is still the simple things in life that remain most profound.

Many of you will go away to college or into the workforce and will take your small town values with you. While you take those values with you, go into the world with an open heart and an open mind. You're going to meet people as you go through life who are different from anyone you've ever met. You'll be exposed to things you've never experienced before. Trust your gut. The instinct is almost never incorrect. Surround yourself with people who love you and will be honest with you.

In closing, I'd like to suggest one final homework assignment for you. Later tonight, or tomorrow, write a letter. Write a letter about how you feel today, write a letter about your hopes, your dreams and your fears. Keep that letter and refer to it often. Also, keep a journal every day of your life. Journaling will give you great insight into yourself. If you don't want to write a letter, I'd encourage you to make a list of the things you wish to accomplish before you die.

Moments ago, you marched into "Pomp and Circumstance" as young students formally ending your high school experience. In a few moments you will march out to the same strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" as young men and women embarking on the journey of life. Life will be an adventure. You'll have highs and lows, and these are normal. Enjoy the ride.

In closing, I leave you with this quote: “Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth.”

Here’s my confession: It is likely that I will never give a commencement address. But, the preceding thoughts are exactly what I would say, given the opportunity.