reminders

Hello and congratulations graduating class of 2025!

When I was first approached about speaking to you, I almost said no. I'm not one for public speaking and there was that nagging question. What could I tell you that your parents, friends, teachers, coach, all the people in your life haven't already told you?

But if life has taught me anything, it is so easy to forget, for those nuggets of wisdom to be buried underneath of everything else. That's why we have a little something called reminders.

So let me remind you of a few things.

2 + 2 = 4

Always make sure you are using the right "their", because we know there are three of them.

You can grow and change. The person you are today is not who you have to be ten years from now or even in the next year.

You matter to someone, even if in the moment, it's not to yourself.

Alone and lonely are not the same thing. You can be alone and not lonely. You can be surrounded by a party, and yet, be the loneliest person there.

Help is always there, and sometimes the bravest thing is asking for it.

You are allowed to change your mind, no matter how far you are onto a path.

The world isn't fair, and bad things happen to everyone, including the saints.

Everyone, him [point], her [point to someone else], you [point to another person] are beautiful. Don't let society tell you otherwise.

Some of you are set on changing the world in loud and big ways, but remember, the silent and small moments are just as impactful.

I could go on and on, but I feel like I've made my point. Don't dismiss the reminders bound to pop in from time to time. Instead, treasure them as you did the first time you ever heard someone give you that piece of advice. You never know when it can help you most.