Rich Moonblatt's RMHS 1976 Commencement Speech
Graduation 1976
Good afternoon and welcome to Richard Montgomery's 79th annual commencement exercises.
Many of us consider commencement an end, but if one were to look at the word, commencement, it literally means a beginning. You see, fellow graduates, there is a road that beckons us here today, and as young adults, it is our responsibility to travel down that path and seek the proper exit that will lead us to a very successful and happy future.
It was Lord Chesterfield who recommended that we take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves. How true is this? But it's only the beginning, and it's our choice to make sure that our hours go on as happy ones.
Essentially, fellow graduates, what I'm trying to express to you is this: Now's the time to take on new responsibilities and to be able to carry them out, successfully, and to feel CONFIDENT that the choice you made was the right one.
Whatever you plan to do, whether you plan to pursue a technical or professional career, or whatever your future holds for you, remember this one little thing. IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY, THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS. NOTHING MORE.
As far as I'm concerned, happiness out rates everything. You have a right to be here in this world - an equal, as in Desiderata, YOU'RE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE.
You're not living this life for your boyfriend, girlfriend, brother, sister, or parents, but YOURSELVES. GO ON YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU FEEL THOSE INSTINCTS ARE RIGHT, THEN FOLLOW THEM.
If it results in a bad choice, then fine. We can learn from our mistakes, and what a better way than to experience them ourselves. REMEMBER - IT'S NOT THE EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES THE MAN. IT'S WHAT THE MAN MAKES OF THE EXPERIENCE.
We judge ourselves by what we're capable of doing, while others, too often, judge us by what we've already done. We must focus on the future.
And as for that road that beckons you and me, well, we've met a fork in that road today, and though each will travel a different journey, we will all remain united in our confidence for the future.
Good afternoon and welcome to Richard Montgomery's 79th annual commencement exercises.
Many of us consider commencement an end, but if one were to look at the word, commencement, it literally means a beginning. You see, fellow graduates, there is a road that beckons us here today, and as young adults, it is our responsibility to travel down that path and seek the proper exit that will lead us to a very successful and happy future.
It was Lord Chesterfield who recommended that we take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves. How true is this? But it's only the beginning, and it's our choice to make sure that our hours go on as happy ones.
Essentially, fellow graduates, what I'm trying to express to you is this: Now's the time to take on new responsibilities and to be able to carry them out, successfully, and to feel CONFIDENT that the choice you made was the right one.
Whatever you plan to do, whether you plan to pursue a technical or professional career, or whatever your future holds for you, remember this one little thing. IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY, THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS. NOTHING MORE.
As far as I'm concerned, happiness out rates everything. You have a right to be here in this world - an equal, as in Desiderata, YOU'RE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE.
You're not living this life for your boyfriend, girlfriend, brother, sister, or parents, but YOURSELVES. GO ON YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU FEEL THOSE INSTINCTS ARE RIGHT, THEN FOLLOW THEM.
If it results in a bad choice, then fine. We can learn from our mistakes, and what a better way than to experience them ourselves. REMEMBER - IT'S NOT THE EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES THE MAN. IT'S WHAT THE MAN MAKES OF THE EXPERIENCE.
We judge ourselves by what we're capable of doing, while others, too often, judge us by what we've already done. We must focus on the future.
And as for that road that beckons you and me, well, we've met a fork in that road today, and though each will travel a different journey, we will all remain united in our confidence for the future.