Commencement Address

Every year, I'm shocked and dismayed that no one has asked me to deliver a commencement speech. I love to spout advice and share the wisdom of my years. Until that day arrives, I'll continue practicing in the shower and I'll share the tips I would've given.

Ask Yourself: "Am I proud of myself? Would my parents be proud?"
It's a good litmus test in any situation. Sometimes you will damn the consequences and move full-steam ahead. At least you've done it with a sound mind.

Honor Your Country.
People fought and died for your rights. Use every one of them. Vote. Thank a veteran. Take your cap off and stand up when someone plays our national anthem. Put your hand over your heart and sing along.

Keep Abreast of Current Events.
No other generation has had more access to information than yours. There's no excuse for not developing a passion or knowing what's going on in your community, state and the world.

Dress the Part.
You've gotten away with torn jeans, skimpy tank tops and various other clothing for a while now. Save it for the weekend. You'll get a lot farther in your internships and jobs if you make the effort to look appropriate and professional. No employer will be impressed with your belly button ring or your back tattoo. I promise you: they don't want to see your belly button.

Pick Your Partners Wisely.
At some point, you may choose a spouse or partner. Don't let infatuation blind you. Know yourself before you make this decision.

You will probably pick other partners too. Business partners, volunteer groups, etc. will all vie for your time, energy and money.

Take the Gift.
Everybody knows someone who can help. If you're looking for a job, it might be a parent, neighbor or friend who can put in a good word for you. If you get in a medical crisis, use every contact you have. Don't be afraid to use this wonderful gift. (Always send a thank-you note.)

When it's your turn, be a giver. Be a mentor. Put a hand out to someone else.

Travel.
There's a wonderful world out there. If you never leave your own backyard, you won't appreciate the majesty of nature or the cultural differnences that somehow define us all. Tolerance comes from experience. Plus, it's just great fun.

Nurture Your Soul.
For some of you, that means an organized religious community. Others have no interest in going to church or other houses of worship. Keep searching for whatever works for you. Give faith, however you define it, a chance.

Keep Your Word.
It only takes once to break your word and become known as the person who cannot be trusted. It can take years to repair this damage. Don't give your word if you don't mean it. If you give it, keep it.

Give Back.
Maybe you don't have two nickels to rub together. Look around. There are others ways to help. Every community has a plethora of problems and volunteer activities seeking to solve them. Carve out a little time. You'll be very proud of yourself.

You're Not Done Learning.
School may be over for now but life changes. Every new invention involves a learning curve. Your generation has mastered this time and again. Don't get complacent at this point. You have a lot more to learn.

Appreciate Your Friends.
Friendships come and go. Your best pals today may not remember your name in 20 years. But, you will have friends. If you do it well, you will have friends that will pick you up, dry your tears and provide a shoulder when you need it. Be a good friend.

Respect the Oldies.
In your minds, we're probably all oldies. We still have a little time under our belts and some lessons that you could use. There's an old saying about being nice to your children because they will choose your nursing home someday. I say, "Be nice to your oldies because they've earned it."

To all the graduates of 2007, I wish you health, happiness, Godspeed and success -- however you define it.