The future awaits.

Graduation is this week. Congratulations, you made it. Whether you are moving on with a degree in hand, or stepping into your second year here, you did it. It's good to take note of each small accomplishment as well as the grand. I've been in a mood of reflection this weekend thinking about all the times in life that we move on or take stock and reflect our place in this world. That to me is what Graduation speeches are generally about. I was reading Ann Patchett's grad speech titled "What Now?" for a college graduation (available here) this week. Many seem to challenge you to take hold of your lives, your future, your dreams and really grasp what you want from this world. To instill in you the hope that you truly can do anything, and the confidence to go out and try it. Of all that I've learned this year from the professors here on campus, the one thing that stands out and I'll take away from this year is that we are all a part of this place, this country, this world. And it is our responsibility, not someone else's to change it and make it a better place. It sounds and feels like a rather big and daunting task, but do not be overwhelmed. Each and every act that you do to help someone, to stand up for the rights of youself and those around you, to make yourself aware, educated and apart of what is happening around you makes a difference. One life can be changed or saved by your actions. As long as you never stop recognizing that you have the power to change the world, and standing together we can do anything, there will always be hope and a future worth looking forward to.

So, where do we start? There are a million ways. I found one that I really wanted to share with you. Without moving a foot from your chair, you can help in many ways and change lives across the globe. Please check this out... thehungersite.com By simply going here and clicking you can add to the food donated to those who are hungry. Do it everyday! There are a million other ways on this site alone to help and make a difference. Another site to visit is freerice.com, where you can get donations sent by playing a game.
Again, congratulations to all of you who are moving forward from here. To those of you who will be here next year, we look forward to seeing more of you. Be sure to keep checking in with us over the summer for new books/movies and great summer reading lists.
Now go, and change the world!