I understand that this morning is for classmates and friends and that a preachy old man can’t do much to improve the occasion. However, if you would indulge me for a minute or two I would like to share with you a few things which I did not learn until it was too late to do anything abou it. Looking back there were at least ten things that I didn’t do during my senior year, and wish the heck that I had.
1.my senior year, I never made a friend outside of my own little clique: Because of this, it took me years to learn to accept and appreciate people who were different than me.
2. I never once stopped a bully from making life difficult for a kid who had committed the unpardonable sin of being different. I easily could have, but because I was a coward, my school was a terrible place for a large part of the student body, and less than it might have been for everyone else, myself included.
3. I was a good student, but never once did I offer to help anyone who was struggling. Because of htis, I missed my first opportunities to teach.
4. I never stopped a friend from telling a racist or sexist joke. I’m ashamed ot say that I told a few myself. Because of this I helped to perpetuate racism and sexism.
5. I never went to a concert or play. My group just didn’t do that. I never went to an event such as this. Because of this I never realized or appreciated the talents and creativity of many of my classmates.
6. I never said thank you to a staff memb er who really went out of their way for me. Because of this, as the year went on fewer and fewer people were willing to go out of their way for me, or cut me a little slack when I most needed it.
7. I never really challenged myself academically. Because of this, I was unprepared for college, and nearly dropped out after my first semester. For me, that would have changed everything.
8. Outside of sports, I never joined a group or organization. Because of this I missed a dozen opportunities to grow and explore different things. I never developed leadership skills and for years was awkward in many social situations.
9. I never volunteered for a community service project. There really is a joy to be had in giving, and I didn’t discover this until much later in life.
10. I never went to my own graduation, and because of all of these reasons I have never been back for a class reunion. The one word which best describes my senior year is forgettable. Today I don’t have a single close friend left from that class.
Whatever else you do this year, make it a point to step outside yourself. You have spent twelve years becoming the person you are. now, try to spend this year becoming the person you hope to be for the rest of your life. Do something kind, do something memorable, and try something difficult. I truly hope that on graduation night we will meet here again and that you can say that you saved the best for last.
Good luck.
