It is an honor to speak to all of you today. Let me start of by scrambling all four years of our University life into a few minutes.
Four years ago, and even now,
A time for looking back on lessons learned, adventures share, bright moments filled with special meaning
A farewell
A time for saying goodbye to old friends, to good times you've known a time for packing away memories, treasures for tomorrow A beginning...
A time for looking forward, a time to set new goais, to dream new dreams, to try your wings and see what lies beyond
dear fellow graduates, we come into this world under the care and guidance of parents and teachers who know so much about us that they sometimes have their own ideas about who we should be. They want what's best for us because they love us and want us to be successful. While some expectations are good, it is important for graduates to follow their own dreams and create lives that they will truly be happy with, regardless of what well-meaning friends and family may think. Ultimately, it is your life to live...while it is good to listen to sound advice, don't let someone else dictate how you live it.
Before I move on, let’s all give a round of applause to everyone who has been a great support in our lives—our parents, teachers, friends, and even ourselves. With the support of all these people, I know that the Class of 2012 will have many different opportunities. But no matter how you live your life, I want you to be the best at it. So from here onward, be the best at whatever you do, because I know our future is SO BRIGHT. Yes, that’s right everyone! Our future is SO BRIGHT, WE HAVE TO WEAR SUNGLASSES! [Admin note: The Class of 2012 stood and faced the audience at this point, all of them wearing sunglasses.]
Thank you.