As I plan for my second graduation speech as a principal, I am trying to narrow down what I want to say to my students. What could I possibly say to students that will help them move to the next phase of their life? What could I say to let them know how proud I am of their accomplishments, and how excited I am for the possibility of their future. I want to say something profound. I want to say something relevant. I want to say something that will make them want to keep fighting even when they don't want to fight.
While teaching high school I was responsible for the senior class. I enjoyed reading the book Oh the Places You'll Go to my seniors. They would all roll their eyes and sigh at the beginning of the reading, but by the end, we would all be in tears. Last year, I read an excerpt to my first graduating 8th-grade class as principal. Of course, this year I will read an excerpt from the book, but I also want to offer something more to my students.
So here are three things that I would tell all of my students. Yes, this message would be for my students from 21 years ago and my students from this year.
1. Keep moving forward. Don't ever stop questioning, learning, and helping others. Just when you think you know all that there is to know, as yourself,"But what don't I know?" Then go figure it out.
2. Know that my expectations of you when you were in my school are greater when you leave school. I will always expect for you to be a scholar, involved in your community, and a leader.
3. I did not teach you because of where you came from, but for the hope and possibility of where you could go in life. Your future is bright and will be determined by the work and effort that you place on being the best you that you can. Leave this place better than you found it!
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