Graduation

For those of you who don't know, it looks as if I'll be the official valedictorian this year, so I get to make a speech. However, I'm not sure that I'm up to this, so I'm asking for LOTS OF ADVICE!!! For those of you who are graduating with me, DO NOT READ THIS UNLESS YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY!!! That's your warning, so don't blame me... Oh well. Seriously, any advice, comments, etc. I've pulled this from all over, be it emails or blogs, so it's collaborative. Lol. Here goes! It's kind of long, so you might be here for a few minutes. And it always works better when read aloud.

Rough Draft

In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly olive green one.

In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In second grade it was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade it was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade it was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.

In fifth grade it was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade it was the person who went up to Nick or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that you wouldn't have to be embarrassed if they said no.

In seventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had forgotten.

In eighth grade it was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade it was the person who would go to a party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only underage person there.

In tenth grade it was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade it was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan, and found you a date to the formal.

In twelfth grade it was the person who helped you pick out a college or university, assured you that you would get into that college or university, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go...

At graduation it was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!

Remember that the friends who have stood by you through these past years will remain your friends for the rest of your lives. Don't let that vital relationship die! Each person you consider a friend has influenced you beyond even your own knowledge. We are the future, class of 2005. We are the present, and truly a major part of the shape of the world surrounding us. But we are also the past. And the past is a vital part of who we are and who we will become. So remember your friends.

Remember, too, your family. These wonderful people who have raised you are your strength. Your driving force.

Now, some of you might argue that your family didn't really support you as you think they should have, but think about this for a minute. Even if you feel that your parents made your life utterly miserable, leaving them to get out of that situation was your drive to graduate. So thank them. Even if you don't like them, you love them simply because they are your family, and don't ever forget that simple, yet vital fact.

It is my job this evening to give you words of wisdom for the future. And I've thought about a quote that will inspire you, or a personal story to encourage you to triumph, but neither of those seemed quite right. Other people don't live your life, and I'm absolutely not perfect. But there are a few simple concepts I would like for you to take away from my little bit tonight.

Love is the key to a full life. Love with all you have. Yes, it hurts when your heart is broken, but you can't fully live life when you only love half-way.

True friends are few and far between in this wide world. Stick by the ones you have and they'll stick by you. Don't turn your back on your friends when times get tough. Your friends are your only tie to reality when the world threatens to fall down around your ears.

Don't treat anybody like anything other than you would want to be treated. Remember the golden rule. That means don't indulge in the deceptions and animosity in the world. Remain above that. But don't ever let yourself believe that people are anything other than your own equal.

Guess what y'all. We're the future. The world will change from the decisions we make. Scary? Not really. I know that I am graduating with seventy-____ amazing people who know not only right from wrong, but the right way to live as well. Be true to your ideals. Know who you can turn to in times of trouble. Expect people to turn to you. Never turn away a lonely and fearful soul when it is in your power to change their life and make it better.

It is time for us to put our childish tendencies behind us. We must become mature adults. What is maturity? Maturity is growing up. Maturity is disagreeing gracefully - not throwing temper tantrums. It is being genuinely interested in other people. It is learning to listen. It is not having to constantly talk about yourself. It is being secure in yourself in all situations, free from intimidation and fear. Maturity is being who you are no matter whom you're with and not being ashamed of it. It is being content with what you have. It is not defining yourself by the type, brand, price or status of your possessions. Maturity is remaining humble when you are exalted. It is being able to relate to all ages and classes of people while communicating a sense of equal importance. It is being alone and unafraid. Maturity is never putting up a front. It is making life decisions based on long-term, rather than short-term satisfaction. It is not having to know everything about everyone. Maturity is not speaking negative words about anyone, even if they're true. It is remaining calm during confrontation. It is treating each person as if they've never wronged you. It is fading into the background instead of being in the spotlight. Maturity is speaking few words and speaking them well. Maturity is not an age thing. It's not a looks thing. Maturity isn't even about what you do. Maturity is about what you do as a result of who you've become on the inside.

Over the years, many things have influenced me personally. God, my parents, my brother, my friends, my church family, and many others have entered my life. Many have exited my life as well, but I have never not learned something from each person. Make that your ultimate goal. Learn something and change for the better with each new friendship, new relationship, and new experience. Do not allow life to become stale. Believe in what you know is true. Keep your roots strong. Know who you are, where you've come from, and who you want to be.

You know what to do. We are the graduating class of 2005. We are powerful, mighty, and united. We are here, standing behind each other, and you must in turn stand behind each of us. We made it. We will go on. Look out there. Meet the world with open arms, embrace life. I love all of you, and I know all of you will do great things. Best of luck, and may God bless each and every one of you. Congratulations, class of 2005.