Graduation Speech: We Are the Leaders of Tomorrow

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Anne Frank confided to her diary that, "Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." And as we, the class of 2006, stand at the end of one path in our lives, and stare out at the field of possibilities before us, we are faced with awesome decisions. We have a wealth of knowledge behind us -- our parents and our families. We are at a point where we must decide where to go and what to do. One misstep now, even the slightest one, can cause a lifetime of regret. So as you and I set out on our chosen path, we must carefully consider where we are and where we want to go.

Born in Tupelo, Miss. in 1935, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century began his life in a humble setting. After a poverty-stricken childhood, this young man became a truck driver in Tennessee. Realizing he had tremendous musical talent, the musician visited Nashville and was able to secure a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1954. At the close of the performance, the manager, Jim Denny, fired him saying, "You ain't going nowhere, son. You ought to go back to driving a truck." But did this young man give in? Did he listen to the professionals? No, he tried again and again until he found a venue for his music. Once he found his break the rest is history, today we remember Elvis as one of America's greatest musicians.

Parents can give us advice, they can point and push us in a given direction, but the final authority lies with us. My parents have always encouraged me to challenge myself, but when it came time to create a schedule and choose classes, the decision was mine.

The Byrds remind us that, "To everything ... there is a season ... and a time to every purpose under heaven." I would contend that there is a time for guidance and a time for independence. Just like Elvis, we will encounter people who will have a different view of where we should be. Whether that person is a manager, a parent, a friend, we must carefully weigh the advice they give. At times we may be deviating from the best path for us and we made need their loving correction, but at times the advice may not fit our goals.

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