Dearly Beloved,
We are gathered here today, to join this Class of 2020 with the World. 2020 has been such a surreal year that your graduation will certainly remain remarkable. Staying in place has made in-person toasts a tedious task, so we raise a symbolic glass in your honor. Congratulations!
Finally, it is your commencement
I remember when I was in Second Grade when studies seemed endless and I asked my teacher how long it would be before we stopped learning. The answer has stayed with me till today – “NEVER!” What a shock when you are 7 to hear that studying is never over! She said life is a continuous learning process. And perhaps that is what has inspired me to keep learning till today.
University of life
Of course, one does not have to sign up formally to any course for learning. You are automatically enrolled in the University of Life which gives admission to people from all walks, irrespective of their grade with no discrimination of age, color, creed.
Sometimes you get a gentle guru and at other times a tyrannical taskmaster. Both teach you different things. Keep an open mind so you learn from your experiences. Keep an open heart so that you take others under your wing and give to those who might need a hand. And never forget those who have extended you a hand, in your time of need.
Speak up
Recognize other’s struggles. The role of being a Knight in Shining Armor has become less dangerous and genderless. It doesn’t require the skill of horse-riding, or slaying dragons – just that you raise your voice with and for others when you see injustice.
Never let someone tell you your place. Never have someone have you questioning your self-worth or your worth as an employee.
Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your sisters and brothers. Stand up to injustice. Just be upstanding and outstanding in whatever you do.
Don’t undersell yourself, but don’t be a sellout either. It is better to rise to the top with others rather than alone.
Lift each other up. Remember you are stronger as a tribe.
Changemakers
I have great hope for the current generation. It is more open, more accepting, and more tolerant than the previous generations. We are headed in the right direction. Your asset is your idealism – guard it against a cold and cynical world. Idealism is what leads you to fight for changes – big or small.
Recent events, such as Black Lives Matter, have shown us that the world still needs radical change. You are the changemakers. Do more than sharing news on social media. Sign petitions, protest, talk to your City Council Members, get involved in politics – find ways in which you can make a difference.
We must look beyond the comfort of our own communities to speak up for others facing dire situations. While there is a sense of belonging within any individual culture, there is no greater strength than feeling a sense of oneness with the larger community of the world – a recognition, that we –despite our color, race, gender identity, nationalities– are all human. Our happiness and freedoms come from the happiness and freedoms of our brothers. A cry for help must not be quelled.
Money talks
You have all been blessed to have an education. Some of you will be earning sooner than others. You’ve earned your right to spend! Money used for yourself gives you pleasure. Money used to buy someone else a gift doubles in value. Money invested wisely in the stock market may triple in value.
But money given to someone in need or money invested in humanity, now that is priceless! How much is the value of your money multiplied by Infinity?
Money has great buying power. But know also that what cash CANNOT buy is what is TRULY valuable. Love, peace, happiness, friendships, and health – invest in these.
It’s your life
You have one life – so live it up. Live it to your fullest! Yes, you have one life – make sure what you do counts. Some of you will no doubt create huge waves, but others will affect the world with gentle ripples. You get no certificates from the University of Life, except for the Karmic kind, and the satisfaction that you have served.
To quote from the poem Incredible Woman written by Yours Truly, “Your beauty is not in your height, but the heights YOU will reach…” So, be inventors, game-changers, set a spark – no, not as arsonists! Spark debates, spark changes, make your mark on this world. And while you are blazing trails, we, your Bay Area community, will leave the light on for you. Shine on!
Yours truly,
Meera Rao Prahlad
Meera Rao Prahlad is a freelance writer, community organizer, and volunteer with a variety of interests. In addition to writing and teaching Language, she wears the hat of Director of Top Form Academy, which provides training in Business Communication and Etiquette to professionals, as well as life skills for youth. She is currently working on writing a book on Etiquette.
