Natalie Roberts, 17
McNeil High School
Austin, Texas
As I was gathering input for this graduation speech, several people suggested including a profound quote offering “encouraging advice to the young graduates”, and then there were others who said, “eh don’t worry about it, no one listens to those anyway.” Fortunately, I was actually able to take from both suggestions and found a happy balance.
You see, I won’t tell you today to: “Dare to dream” or “Find your own vision” or even to “Strive for excellence,” or any trite cliché that’s ever been said in a graduation speech. So this might not be your typical commencement. I have no list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for you. I don’t have any funny stories about politicians or teachers. I don’t have any jokes, nor do I have any interesting quotes from real famous people.
And so you may be wondering. Why?
Because there are only a few times in life where you can really have time to sit, relax, and at least pretend to be interested in another kid’s advice on what works for them. This is one of those times where I get to fill you in on what has kept me going, trusting that you can relate.
First, in attempt to take the advice to include a symbolic quote, it became quite clear that no matter what, life is an endless stream of contradictions and inconsistencies. You see, they tell us that “haste makes waste,” but then, “the early bird gets the worm.” And “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can get done today,” but we’re supposed to “stop and smell the roses”? When do we have time to smell the roses when we’re busy doing everything today? And how do you “shoot for the moon” when you are being told to “wish upon a star”?
I mean come on. Any magazine you open has got “how to trim your tummy in 10 days” and on the next page “the ultimate brownie recipe ever”. And we’ve all heard our parents say “we trust you” followed by a “be home by 12 o clock”.
Life is one big contradiction and you’ll drive yourself crazy if you try to figure it out. So don’t. Embrace it. Laugh at it a bit. Whatever you do, don’t take it too seriously. Those are some of the ways I have made it through these past four years at McNeil.
You see, the biggest contradiction I have noticed so far is the stress that is put on the big things in life when it is really all the little things scattered in between when I find I’m most happy. It’s those seemingly insignificant, random pieces of time that have kept me going throughout the crazies thrown at us as and they keep me laughing, smiling, and moving on. Whether it’s playing Halo and focusing on getting that next running riot, chatting and profile-snooping on AIM, or hearing a pointless story told from a friend--it’s those little moments of carefree smiling that I feel get overlooked.
With AP classes, national honor this, mu alpha that, drum practice here, yearbook deadline there, flag twirling up, singing voices coming down, and bells ring ringing all in between, it’s no wonder we students have been rushing through the motions of our ritualistic high school lives. By the time we make it home, create time for dinner, toss a wave to the parents, and start our homework, the days begin to blur into nights and before you know it there goes the gross alarm reminding you it is time again.
Seniors, I know you can relate. You AREN’T lazy and you DO care. You EACH have such a diverse range of talents and interests that your involvement ranges from youth group activities and part time work to theater rehearsals and swim practice. One can rush through such endless cycles for only so long. Keep this pace up for the rest of your life, and soon enough, you’ll run yourself into the ground!
As I mentioned before, it is those little things in life that appear purposeless on the surface but which I rely on throughout each day to carry me as I continue to look at life in an optimistic way. It’s fully enjoying the very little moments that allows me to be efficient with the future BIG ones. One time we were reviewing a chapter in Jernt’s government class. Just when I most needed a break, I got a good laugh. We’re sitting there discussing the corruptions of mass media when Rory walks in to ask a quick question. On his way out he is still looking back throwing in a last word, when, smack, he runs into one of those big green columns that are located throughout the school. True story. I laughed a lot. I felt like I made it to Level Ten of Jane Fonda’s Ab Workout Video. Then, I was able to maintain interest in the rest of class, along with a smile.
Whether it’s catching someone bounce off a green column, listening to boys flow, or picking on your little sister in Walmart, I promise you that enjoying these seemingly meaningless events of the moment is worth it.
Even though graduation is a big step to the next level or however you wish to describe it, I don’t have enough toes to count how many times I heard people say “mannn, graduation is so long and boring.” I’m pretty sure I was one of those people. But, in reality, this is what we have all worked so hard for. This is our high school graduation ceremony. These are your friends walking across the stage. This is your time to smile and be proud of all you have accomplished here at McNeil. Sure it’s long, sure we have tons of kids in our class, but stare at everyone’s shoes or something. Laugh it up at the kid who is wearing flip flops. Chuckle at the girl who is only 4’11” and takes 5 strides for each of your 2. Er, wait, that’s me. Enjoy this moment. Don’t rush through these motions. This is a significant event. It does deserve grins, laughter, and an optimistic attitude.
Life will run you by if you don’t take time to enjoy all the small things. And remember, it’s those little things that make life funny. People should laugh at most of the things in life, cry at a few, and be neutral at hardly anything.
Guys, I thank you. It has been an honor to serve as your class president. Good luck. Now, I am going to make like America Online Instant Messenger and sign off with an L-O-L. Good bye.
See also:
tudents, faculty, family, friends, on this exciting day, I speak to optimism, laughter, and grins.