Graduation speeches

I had a rough day a work yesterday. It is that time of the year again when graduation ceremonies are happening all around the country. Combine those two and you'll know how I spent my morning. When I'm really just down I listen to the hopes, dreams, aspirations, plans, successes, failures and wishes of those speaking to graduates and it lightens my load. Here are a few that I particularly enjoyed today:

First, Parker Mantell's speech at Indiana University (GO HOOSIERS!). Parker completed his address despite a stutter that he had mostly kept hidden from his fellow students during his years in college. I think he was SO brave to give such a speech and though I do not know him, I am so proud of him. My favorite quote is this, "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. If doubt were to be a disease, its cure would be confidence."

Next up was Eric LeGrand's speech at his own graduation from Rutgers University. Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers defensive lineman, was paralyzed in 2010 after suffering a spinal injury during a game. I've been rooting for Mr. LeGrand since his injury happened and am again proud from afar at all he's accomplished.

Steve Jobs gave a rousing speech in 2005 at Stanford University. He spoke about receiving a cancer diagnosis the previous year and spoke about his life's challenges. My favorite quote from Mr. Jobs' speech is this, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go achieve something...I just don't know what that is yet.