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Here's the closing remarks I made at graduation...
Thank you Caroline, members of the faculty, trustees, parents, friends and most importantly the class of 2013.
What you are clutching in your hand is commonly referred to as a diploma but I think it is much more than that …I would call it A LOVE STORY. YES, A LOVE STORY. And if you open it up you will see will see who wrote it and who it is about… it’s you! But, …..you did not write this love story alone…you had help.
Seated behind you are your parents who began and wrote the original love story. They are the ones that had tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces at the same time as you walked down the aisle today and…..for some of you…. there is a mother, a father, or a grandparent who is smiling down from above on your special day. You can feel the warmth of their unconditional love for you…you can see them beaming with pride. They were right behind you every step of the way and sacrificed so that YOU could be here today. Their love for you came in many forms….cheering you on in your successes, suffering with you during your losses, biting their tongue and allowing you to fail so that you would learn and grow, listening to your frustrations, sometimes getting mad at you, providing wise advice, trusting you, and always… an arm around your shoulder when you needed it . At the center of what they have done for you ….is a rock solid foundation of love.
And to your right are the principal editors of your love story. This is the Dana Hall School faculty and staff. A magnificent assembly of women and men, whose work, at its very core… is based on love… AND who hold the unshakeable belief that there is nothing more important…. than the development and education of a young girl’s mind and soul. This is at the heart of this love story. They gave you gifts by creating experiences for you at Dana Hall that enabled you to grow… experiences that will last a lifetime
At the very foundation of these gifts, there is a teacher’s deep and profound love of the work they do…. and the very promise of what you will become.
This particular love story has come to an end. You are ready. And here’s the good news……there are many love stories ahead of you, and here’s the most important news….YOU GET WRITE THEM THIS TIME!
It may be falling in love with someone
It may be becoming involved in a political movement, popular or unpopular
It may be beginning a career
It may be healing people
It may be raising a child
It may be teaching
It may be starting up a company…. the possibilities are endless!
Real love stories, to make them work, will require risk, hard work, compassion, integrity, courage, patience, and intensity – traits for which you are totally prepared… love stories are not easy, nor are they always safe. Some will have happy endings and some might not. If you stay in the “middle”, where things are safe and comfortable, you may not get to experience a real love story. It is on the outer edges of your experience where these love stories are found…they are where the passion, intensity, and sometimes the unknown reside. You will find love the most powerful force that will cause you to do great things. And… it will be your choice…
Nelson Mandella, world renowned leader from South Africa had a special greeting when he encountered young women, men, or children, ….it wasn’t hello,… or how are you….it was I SEE YOU, I SEE YOU. It was an affirmation of your presence, it was recognition, it confirmed your innate goodness, potential and promise…AND… he also intended it to be an expectation that YOU would do good and even great things!
So on behalf of the entire school, your families and friends…. I say to you……. I SEE YOU, I SEE YOU
Blessings on you all class of 2013…..thank you.
Rob Ayres – closing remarks Dana Hall School Graduation Ceremony June 8th 2013
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