On Graduation:
On Saturday, Linworth AP had their anual graduation. Linworth is an alternative program that is part of the WOrthington School District. While they can not give out diplomas (those are from the home schools), their graduation consists of highly personalized intros to each graduating member. So, i am asking you (all of you readers, come on people, stop just browsing and comment) to tell me somethings. What was your graduation like, what do you remembers, what were the speeches, and what moved you/impacted you the most?
Hey look, there is more if you click here
So, to answer my own question, i think back to my graduations. The one from Thomas (home school) was not that great. We had a speaker (like 3) who were boring and predictable. But, all i remember is walking across the stage – thankfully to no cheers – shaking Wayne’s hand, and telling him that SuYoung will take my place. That is all i really remember of the event, and that is interesting.
As for Linworth’s graduation, i remember the whole thing. I really enjoyed the the personal stuff, but it is what Wayne told us that got me thinking, and has me where i am today: “It is not that you are graduating, but merely moving on. You have completed the first steps on a long road of life, and have just started to define yourself. Yet, you are not done, and you will never be done. It is not until you are dead and forgotten that you are no longered defined, as everything you do from now until your death defines you, and everything that people remember is your legacy.”
To me, this simple speech showed that we do not define ourselves, the interpretations of our actions define us. We are as we are, but we need to make sure that other people remember us how we wish to be remembered, not how we show we should be. This moved me greatly, and has greatly impacted my life.
As for my speech, here is what I said to Maria (note, this is not verbatum, but off of memory)… It was moving, as both Maria, my girlfriend, and my girlfriends mother were crying. I almost cried, but, being a man, i merely sped up and hurried threw before:
“I met Maria when I was a senior and she was a freshman. I was teaching a scifi class and she somehow thought it was wise to take it. Frankly, I am glad that she did. In the years since, Maria and I have become good friends, and i am very greatful for that. I have given her advice, and she has given some back to me. This is the type of person that Maria. She will find anybody, take them by the hand, cover their back, and help lead them down the road of life. This is who Maria is, and it is because she is exceptionally kind. I can truly say that I believe that the world is a better place because Maria is in it, and I am truly humbled to be considered one of Maria’s friends.”
Then i hugged her, she cried, and i wandered off of the stage
yeah, that is how personal linworth’s graduation was
so, tell me, what moved you?
