Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I did not get to know many of you. So, I cannot be certain of how you feel, but, as for me, this year has been, by far, the most enjoyable and eye opening one of my high school career. Enjoyable because of the new, interesting friends I've made and of the fun times I've had, and eye opening because of my being forced to look towards the future. Not just day dreaming and imagining about the rest of my life, but finally having to sit down and make some definite decisions concerning it. For me and many of you, colleges have had to be applied for and decided on and scholarships filled out. Some of you have been looking into vocational schools or the military, while others will be going straight into the work force. Whatever your case may be, we've all had one thing in common in that we've been planning for our futures. Since the decisions we make now or soon will impact the rest of our lives, I'd like to take this time to share some advice with you all. The most important advice I believe I can share is to do what you want to do. Don't be pressured into some life career because it's the most respectable or because it would make your family the proudest. Happiness is the greatest goal in life and is self-contained. The happiness of others will not satisfy you in the long run. If your fondest wish is to become an Atlantic Puffin breeder in northern Maine, then go for it. Don't allow anyone or anything to stop you. Also, many of you must fully realize how much time of your life a job will take up. Not just working, but preparing for it and the thought that will go towards it daily. In fact, for most of you, your life will revolve around your job. Where you live, who you see everyday, will mostly be dependent upon the job you choose... ... So, don't think that just because you're not starting college right away or not going to college at all, that you're bound to not get what you want out of life. It takes work, but, if you're determined enough, you can usually achieve your goals. Though you cannot expect to achieve all the goals you set for yourself, don't ever be afraid to at least try. Failure is one of the greatest ways to learn in that although you have failed, the new experiences you have gained while trying to achieve your goal will make you aware of new possibilities and allow you to form new goals for yourself. So remember, don't conform into exactly what society wants you to be. Do what you want to do. And if you don't know what that is already, find out. Don't be afraid to try different things. Be a risk taker. Live your lives for all they're worth because they won't last forever!