The Real World

In 8 days, I have the honor of speaking at a high school graduation.  I was asked a month ago and have had thoughts flying through my head of what I want to say.  "Today you join the real world" - typical graduation phrase, not one I want to use.  I don't think it makes sense.  Most seniors live in the real world.  They've already had life experiences that have been full of joy and sorrow.  It is hard for me to stand in front of people and tell them that the world that they've known thus far hasn't been real - that they've been in a bubble and protected from all the "really bad" things.  No my thoughts went in another direction - HOPE. 

HOPE
This word is repeated in my head every time I think of what I want to say to these graduating seniors- Hope, Hope, Hope.  I want them to have hope for their futures.  To be able to look ahead, especially on graduation day, and see a life full of possibilities.  A life that can go any direction and do anything, a life that hasn't been lived yet.  I want them to have hope themselves, in their uniqueness.  Each one of them is a blend of backgrounds and experiences - yes, some are shared (school events, PROM) but no two are the same.  They will each continue adding to their uniqueness after graduation.  I want them to see the hope in that and not long for high school again.

Mostly, I hope that I can deliver a graduation address that is every thing that they need - short, simple, yet meaningful.  Well, 8 days and counting.  I'll let you know how it turns out.