By Staff
Being realistic, I don't suppose many graduates really are listening to the speeches given at their commencement. They are anxious to be done with school and head into a summer of fun.
Edwardsburg Superintendent Sherman Ostrander even joked with the Class of 2007 that the reason for graduation speeches is to "properly sedate" the graduates.
I can barely remember my own graduations, except for a picture of putting my arm around my best friend and posing with smiles on our faces.
We don't know what the future will bring. She died at age 50, middle age. Did we even dream at age 25, she was really middle-aged?
Though I have never been asked to give a speech at graduation, I was at the graduation Saturday afternoon of the Ross Beatty Class of 2007 in Cassopolis and I pondered what I would say to these shining faces, who are on the brink of their life.
As they go out into the world, some to one of many careers they would hold during their lifetime, others to continue in the security of the academic world, here are my comments.
Continue to learn
Even if you are not planning on attending one of our excellent community colleges in the area, Southwestern Michigan College or Lake Michigan College, or some other university or technical school, please continue to learn. Take classes throughout your life and expand your horizons. You will be richer.
See the world
If you have the opportunity – travel. When I went to Japan and my children were able to go to foreign counties, the benefits were tremendous.
You appreciate what we have here in the United States and you learn that people are pretty much the same wherever you go. You learn tolerance. If we ever want to see the end of wars we need to learn about others' cultures.
Serve
Whether you become the Little League coach, school board member or choir member for your church – give something back to your community. Never before in these shaky economic times are volunteers needed to run youth organizations and help our schools and churches.
Consider the military
If you want to serve our country by joining the military go ahead. Don't let people stop you if you feel a civic duty and pride. It is a wonderful way to also further your education.
Likewise, if you don't want to be in the military, at this time that is your choice. That is what freedom in America allows.
Keep your humor
Don't underestimate the power of having good humor.
Humor can get you through some really rough times in your life that are sure to come. Humor can disarm an enemy, patch a marriage, keep you from abusing your kids.
Be a good parent
When you are dating, think of this person as a parent. Ask yourself, "Is this man or woman really a good candidate for someone I want as father or mother of my children?"
Though you think you are just dating for fun, the relationship just might develop into something more.
Leave the world better
When all is said and done, whether you live another 60 years, or only five, hope that at your funeral someone will be saying how the world was better for you having lived in it.
At the time of your death it really won't matter how much money you made, or whether you made that professional team, or if you were a television star.
Keep your friendships
The only ones who really care about you are your family and close friends so don't forget them.
How wonderful to connect, be a sounding board for each other, help in times of crisis, but also share each other's joy.
Congratulations -go in peace.