Every year, a new class enters with bright eyes full of hope and promise. I watch as they enter with the innocence of a duckling. By the time graduation comes, I have seen the transformation of beautiful, confident swans. It is always a humbling, gratifying feeling of having been a part of their journey into adulthood. With an ever-changing world, I try to leave graduates with encouragement and a few rules to live by for navigating this world. My prayer is that opportunity will open doors of success and fulfillment of dreams that success is never measured in dollar signs. I also pray for a balance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as they take their place in this world!
May 23, 2024,
Good afternoon, my friends,
This is my last official message to all of you all before you are released into adulthood tomorrow morning! This a joyous and momentous occasion! You have reached a major milestone that should not be taken lightly or for granted because not everyone makes it across the stage. Unfortunately, you may leave some behind. That’s a reality. You all have worked hard to get to this point, and I am extremely proud of your accomplishments!
It doesn’t matter what stage of life you’re going through at the time. Just know that my expectations of you will never waiver. As college students, military personnel, or workforce individuals, I will expect you to treat others kindly, be fair, be respectful, be responsible, love yourself and others, be humble, give charitably, be a role model, and contribute productively to this society. Leave a legacy.
Throughout life, you will meet people from different worlds, backgrounds, and cultures. Do not sit in judgment because you don’t understand. Learn from it. You will experience life, and yes, you will make some great choices and some poor choices. There will be successes and failures. Do not go down a dark trail. I encourage you to persevere. Never give up, and never let anyone make you feel that your dreams are not attainable. The passion and the drive are within you.
On your journey, there will be friends, enemies, and loves. Be aware of when it is time to let go of people, especially if they are not making your life better. Do not fall into the traps of restrictions. These are the rules that make you believe that you must have a girlfriend or boyfriend; you must pledge a sorority or fraternity; you must have a perfect GPA; or you must act a certain way for acceptance.Instead, learn to be true to self. Protect your reputation. Take time to rest, and always find laughter.
In this life, take care of one another. Do not be in competition with each other; instead, build each other up, not tear each other down. Protect one another. (Ladies, if you leave for a social event together, you come back together. This is an understood pact between all parties. (Gentlemen, always treat a young lady in the manner that you would want your mother, sister, aunt, or friend treated. Remember, your date is somebody’s daughter, sister, or future mother, too!) Do not ever think that misfortune, violence, death, and sadness will never happen to you because everything can impact your life. You are not invincible or exempt!
Watch out for yourselves. Watch out for others. Make wise choices. Be alert, and ALWAYS be in control of your actions. Carry yourselves with dignity and respect, and do not allow others to treat you with anything less. Follow your intuition. Second-guess nothing. Remember, you are smart, witty, beautiful/handsome, worthy, and deserving. Never lower your standards to make someone else feel better about themselves.
Some of you have experienced the pangs of the heart. Well, it’s not over yet. There may be love, betrayal, and heartache! That’s an expected part of life. If you find that your heart is hurting, don’t stop living! Recognize the lesson(s) you were supposed to learn so that you don’t repeat mistakes again.
Don’t be so quick to judge parents, grandparents, or guardians. Remember, they have made sacrifices for you to get to this point. Nothing is ever perfect. All they do is love and try. Tomorrow, May 23rd, 2024, you are the family representative who will be the source of many emotions from feelings of joy, shedding of tears, exhibiting a sense of pride, and exhaling of relief. YOU are at the center for all to see and celebrate. It is YOUR day!
Please know that I have mad love for each and every one of you! You have made classes a very different element, and it has been my pleasure to be a part of your journey. Each of you has a spirit that will impact the world and change it for the better, and it is my hope that you will let your light shine. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors!
Congratulations, graduates!
Signing off!
CrayDawg, Inc. (c)2024
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