Thursday, December 1, 2011

Friday Fragments - Advice for Graduates

Thanks to Mrs. 4444's for hosting Friday Fragments (I love her blog).

Mommy's Idea


  1. Is it proof of my geekiness that I found the following joke absolutely hilarious - A neutron walking into a bar and orders a beer.   The bartender sets the beers down and says, "For you, no charge!"
  2. A big kudos to my wife for putting up with sick children all last week.  She did an amazing job for a sleep deprived woman!
  3. Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year.  Twice a year our department hosts a lunch with our graduating students.  As part of the tradition each professor stands up and gives a small speech.   Here is mine:
First, congratulations to you all. One of the reasons I teach the intro course is to be able to really see how much many of you have matured and developed over the past few years. It has been a privilege to get to know so many of you.

Second, my wish for all of you is to find happiness in your lives. How do you find happiness you ask? Happiness comes from constantly growing and developing over time. It comes from challenging your-self each and every day to become a slightly better person. I challenge you, when the time comes, to become a better father, mother, husband, wife, leader and community member. To find happiness one must learn to evaluate and learn from the past, enjoy and savor the present and to strategically place your-self in good situations for the future.

You are living in some of the most interesting times in the history of humanity. The amount of change you are going to see over the next decade is going to be incredible. While change is indeed frightening, it also provides opportunities for those who are able to adapt and innovate along with it. It takes leaders such as your-selves to be able to cope with change in a manner that takes advantage of the opportunity it presents.

Overall, only one person can determine your happiness and that is you. That judgment will come when you look into the mirror, what do you see? Will you see a person who is true to their core being; that is loving and caring to others; and who is willing to put the time, energy and effort required to consistently grow and develop over time. Will you be the person that looks in the mirror and can honestly say, 'I have a good life.'

I wish you all a good life.  Please keep in touch because we all want to know see where your path takes you.

6 comments:

  1. That's a very nice speech; it's clear how much you care, and you're right on all counts.

    Loved the neutron joke :)

    Happy Weekend!

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  2. I feel so proud of myself for understanding and actually smiling at the first joke!

    I loved Biology in high school, but almost failed on the chemistry stuff, and now that I'm studying Psychology in college, we're going over all that brain stuff again... Kinda gives me a headache, but it's worth every bit!

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  3. Oh, I think that's the sweetest speech from a professor. These graduates must be missing you so much! And the neutron charge joke is hilarious! I'm a new follower, from Fri Fragments

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  4. I admit my geekiness as well, the joke was funny!

    Great speech. Makes me think of the famous Dr Seuss book, Where will you go? very popular among graduation gift givers :)

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  5. That was a wonderful speech! Thanks for sharing. I laughed at the joke too. :-)

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