day 7, WEEK 5

exactly one year ago, today, i had the privilege to speak at my high school graduation.  it seems like it's been forever since then . . . here's what i said, or at least what my written copy said:

"I am immensely honored to speak on behalf of the class of 2010 before so many proud parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends, and of course teachers.

I am equally honored to say that I know the secret of life.  The secret is surprisingly simple, and in fact, I believe that deep down everyone already knows it.  It is only a matter of recognizing it, and it is this: this life is yours.

I mean to say that this life is your life; it is your story.  Of course, we all have influential teachers, coaches, mentors, and parents who guide us for the better.  Yet, the final decision in each situation must come from within.  Each decision holds its consequences, whether they be foreseeable or not.  We each write our own lines, our own successes, and our failures.  In this way, the magic of this life lies in the individual determining how his or her life shall be, and then accepting the consequences.  However, I know that this does not always seem true in every case.  There are those who glide easily along with the support of the good will—and strong will—of their parents, friends, and others.  For example, it is easy to allow a parent to choose one’s classes for the next year, or one’s college.  It is easy to trust the advice of a friend so as not to exert one’s own mind.  And, as all of us know, it is certainly easier to accept a book recommended ever so passionately by Mrs. Vottero than to reject her.  Sadly, it is also easy to remain neutral and impassive, to never stand up and stand out—to never truly change the world around us by maintaining who we are within.  But in the end, this lack of assertiveness holds an even greater consequence.  By not acknowledging the self-determination that life requires, one is in a rather sad way, not living at all.

Further, by not living assertively, we do a disservice to those around us, as well.  I point out that when we are born, there are tears.  When we leave this world, assuredly, there are tears.  Therefore, if we do not live; if we do not recognize that this life is our own life to do with as we will, and if we do not write our story with our own hand and in doing so achieve nothing original and individual, then what have we done but make people cry?

And so, as we sprint off the starting block that is High School and race into the unknown, I implore my classmates not to fear the unforeseeable consequences that may be.  Rather, let us accept the secret of life.  Let us know that we are responsible for what is, but more importantly, that we determine what is to come.  Let us do this while keeping in mind that the secret is not something too incomprehensible or profound.  It is simple.  We individually direct our paths in life.  No one else can do it for us.  This life is your life.

To our teachers, mentors, coaches, families, and friends, thank you dearly.  And to my fellow classmates, congratulations.  This is the moment to make your life your own."