Congratulations to the families and graduates of the class of 2013.
The world that awaits you is filled with both promise and challenge.
The job market isn’t what it was thirty years ago when a young person could walk in off of the street and land a high paying job that would last for 35 years with no more knowledge than how to pack a lunch kit.
It’s won’t be easy to carve a place for yourselves in this world that the older generation is handing to you.
It’s not quite as pristine as when your parents inherited it. There are considerations that get swept under the rug in the interest of political or economic expediency.
Sorry about that. Our apologies.
It would be wonderful if this new generation could figure that out for us – because we sure haven’t done well at it.
Try to remember that the promises given so freely to us by television commercials often prove to be illusion – telling you that happiness can be purchased.
The important thing to remember is that you are responsible for your own happiness.
Set goals and, above all, be true to yourself. Here are a few simple rules that may help guide you:
Free your heart from hatred.
Free your mind from worry.
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.
And when you are doing that giving part, it doesn’t have to be huge to be important. Small or large, all good works contribute to the wealth and well-being of your community.
Congratulations also to the parents and families of the grads. The fruits of your labours will cross the podium on Saturday – may it be a blessed and happy day for all.
Once again to the grads – many best wishes for a long and happy life!