A few weeks ago I was humbled to return to my high school alma mater in McKenzie, Tenn., to deliver the keynote address at the annual Honors Banquet. I was invited there because, as the principal put it, I am an "outstanding alumnus who has achieved success in his chosen career."
There is more than a little irony here, as I was quick to inform the 350-plus audience of students, parents and teachers.
First, I was never an honor student in high school. In fact, I was extremely average. In some courses, especially those that involved more numbers than words, I was decidedly below average, albeit not a failure.
Second, other than some generic wording on commendations I received while a four-year uniformed disciple of Uncle Sam, I don't recall the word "outstanding" being juxtaposed with my name.
But, if they say I'm outstanding, who am I to argue?
So, with speech in hand, I addressed this group of extremely bright, hard-working and respectful students. I spent some time talking about my newspaper career and how I do my job, and then offered a few opinions about the changing face of American journalism.
But I moved on as quickly as I could from that mundane monologue. Then I seized the remainder of my Andy Warhol minutes to dispense what I called a "low-tech manifesto" for young people to make their lives, and others', a little fuller, whether they will spend the next few years in a classroom, a boardroom or on an assembly line.
I was concerned that I would sound preachy, or worse, pretentious. But, if I believe those who greeted me after the program, I struck the right balance. They, and a few others here in Hernando County who have read the speech, say it is, in contrast to my high school academic record, above-average.
So, with graduation ceremonies kicking off this week, I offer the following excerpts from my hometown homily. It was written with young people in mind, but if you know an adult who could benefit from the advice, thanks for sharing.
And, congratulations and best of luck to Hernando County's graduating seniors.
READ: Read everything and anything you can get your hands on. A novel, a newspaper, a Web site, a comic book or the back of a cereal box. Information is power and protection. Respect it. Keep it with you and use it wisely. If you read, you will be not only better informed and prepared to make decisions, you will be a more useful and productive person.
LISTEN: Listening is much more difficult - and much more valuable - than speaking. If you have the ability to truly listen to what others are saying - and then ask yourself "Why are they saying that to me?" - you will go far in life. Make a concerted effort to be the last to speak. You will learn more, it will save time and you will have a much better chance that your words will have impact.
BE NICE: Say something kind to someone every day. Mean what you say and look them in the eye when you say it. Try to say it to someone different every day. It can be as simple as complimenting someone's wardrobe, or thanking them for being your friend, or for making you smile. It doesn't take much time to be nice, and the reward is always greater than the effort.
UNDERSTAND YOUR LIMITS: If someone asks you a question and you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to reply simply, honestly and without apology, "I don't know." It is always better to be sincere and honest than to try to fabricate a response or pretend to be something you're not. If appropriate, tell them you'll try to find the answer and get back to them. But never, ever be ashamed to use those three little words: "I don't know."
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF: The most important thing you have to offer the world is your integrity. Protect it at all costs. Do not allow anyone to take it away from you. It is worth fighting for. It will prepare you for hard times, when you will need to rely on your family, your friends and your God for guidance. But, always try to use your instincts and your ability to reason to find your own way.
BE YOURSELF: Sounds pretty self-explanatory, doesn't it? But that is simultaneously one of the easiest and most difficult tasks before you now. And it probably will be 40 years from now. If you don't believe me, ask your parents and teachers. They're still working on it.
GET INVOLVED POLITICALLY: Apathy is your enemy. Pay attention to what the president and Congress are doing. Pay attention to what the City Council and County Commission members are doing. You pay them good money to do not just a job, but a very good job. Hold them to the highest standard. Force them to adhere to the law, and the will of the voters who put them in office. They are there to serve the public, not the other way around.
GET INVOLVED PERSONALLY: Be a part of your community: Coach a Little League team. Help raise money for the cancer society or your church. Volunteer to work at the concession stand at the football game. Offer to drive an elderly neighbor to the doctor, or trim their hedges. You'll feel better about yourself and your small effort will be appreciated more than you will ever know by those you are helping.
Finally, don't be discouraged by your failures. You are not perfect and sometimes you will fail. But always remember that you can recover from your mistakes. If you've tried your best to achieve a goal and it didn't work out, then you can set a new goal and try again. There is no limit on trying.
