2005 Commencement Address

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Emerson, an American poet, essayist, and philosopher, called us to not only take the path less taken, but to also create our own path for others to follow.

Throughout the past few years, we have begun the process of making our own paths.

Numerous people have accompanied us through the turns along the way and have given us a map to follow as well as directions.

We have been introduced to people who called us by name, encouraged us when we were going the right way, and advised us if we were going the wrong way.

 
There were times we chose to do a little sight seeing by becoming involved in extracurricular activities, attending regional and national conferences, conducting and presenting research, and taking advantage of other opportunities that beckoned us.

The Emporia State community as well as our families and friends have supported us through their love and affection.

With such support, we have reached a major destination in our journey.

We have arrived at this destination with determination, perseverance, and dedication.
However, we recall there were questions along the way. In some cases, the answers were never far; in other cases, we were shown a path to our own answers.

We knew that if we believed in ourselves and in our potential, we could achieve anything.

This confidence allowed us to take a stand for what we believed in and not falter as we took the path less taken.

We also knew that if we focused on the positive, we would be successful.

After all, even a "wrong turn" made along our path could be positively viewed as an added adventure.

Sometimes we couldn't help but stop along the way to appreciate the wondrous world around us-a world full of mysteries and discoveries waiting to be found.  

We took time to learn from children, become involved in community service, keep up to date on current events, and spend time with loved ones.

While there were times we were certain we could follow our own path, there were also times we may have wanted to make a U-Turn back to the familiar.  A turn that would lead us back to a path more commonly taken.  

These times in our journey brought fear of the unknown and what lay ahead.

However, we were guided back to our individual path by curiosity and hope for the future.

It was at these times that we transformed our vulnerability into confidence in ourselves and where our path might lead.

We continued on and chose to persevere in everything we did.  We spent hours taking notes, studying, and putting the final touches on papers and projects.  

We participated in athletic events, worked part-time and full-time jobs, studied abroad, undertook new hobbies, and learned as much as we could from others.

This allowed us to take the scenic route by doing things few others before us had ever done.

Although we've come so far in such a short amount of time, we can't help but look toward the next bend in our path.  This upcoming turn leads toward the stars and promises a better world for ourselves and those who come after us.

With each step we take, we make sure to leave a trail for those who are coming. This is a trail of inspiration, hope, and encouragement.

Our preparation during the past few years now allows us to extend our path to anywhere in the world. Soon we will have our diplomas to serve as a compass.

Our fear of the future is lessened because we know that in creating our own path, we truly find a way that suits us. This path may not always be the easiest, but it will surely make us stronger.

Class of 2005, we have reached an important milestone in our journey.  Congratulations on the many accomplishments we've achieved together.

May we continue to follow Ralph Waldo Emerson's example by creating our own path and leaving a trail, grasping opportunities as they come our way, daring to make a difference in a constantly changing world, giving thanks for the wonder each day holds, doing what we love, and loving what we do.

After all, our journey is more important than our destination.  

I leave you with two Greek words as we reflect upon our journey thus far.

Sto kalo. May you do good things, and may good things happen to you.

And in the words of Wish Bear, one of the most famous CareBears, "Your dreams will come true if you wish them to." God bless.  

 

Last Updated July 2, 2007>