A Kennedy Reminder
A few short months before his death, President John F. Kennedy said, "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation."
Students Admonished to Learn Daily
And while this advice is a genuine and great pearl of wisdom, please remember to adopt the philosophy of lifelong learning so that you will satisfy your curiosity, continue to expand your knowledge, and realize that every idea you have is an opportunity for development and discovery. Know your past, and let that past be your guide. If there is no history, there is no future. Be sure to read because the book is still the greatest man-made machine of all — not the car, not the TV, not the computer. Remember to write. Write letters. Keep journals. Besides your children, there is no surer way of achieving immortality. And don’t forget to listen. Listen to the world of diversity that surrounds you because even the people sitting on either side of you have a wealth of knowledge, information and experience that you can learn from.
It Isn’t Magic — It Is Life
There are no road maps or magic formulas that guarantee success. But just as you have successfully charted this road where you have just come to the end, I am confident that you have the same determination and ability to chart the map of your future that will also lead you to the fountain of success. Please remember that no one is perfect, not your teachers, not your principal, not your employer… No one. So that means we must continue to strive for perfection.
Don’t Let Others Choose for You
You, your families and friends should be very proud. In spite of all the challenges you’ve faced, you made it. You have already begun writing your own story. Continue to be an individual who chooses how your life/your story will read. Don’t let anyone dictate the chapters in your book. Be your own story. Don’t ever lose your enthusiasm. Be very hopeful for all the possibilities of today, tomorrow and the future. They are yours for the taking. The door is open.
Postscript
My challenge to you is to walk through that open door and reach to the sky for the highest vision possible for your lives, writing your own story and believing it can come true. I believe, as I hope you do, that the work of your life can be what President Kennedy said, “A benefit for everyone."
Congratulations, 2006 graduates!
Good luck, and God bless you.
