Graduation Speech: The Opportunity to Make a Difference :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Over the past year or so round dreadful events beat occurred at high schools, alarming the Ameri tush universe while they have talked about increased security, clinging to images of guns, blood and typical-looking teenagers committing unthinkable crimes. The media has focus on these incidents without giving attention to all of the potential and talent that is palmy throughout our high schools. I invite them to recognize the inspired pupils who be propelling themselves beyond standard and motivating others around them. That is what I sine qua non the American public to be talking about.As young adults we have the opportunity to make a difference. Not only for ourselves, but for our kids and time to come on generations.I would like to tell everybody about some star who has made the to the highest degree of his opportunity. Many of you guys know him, and hes actually a very close wizard of mine. Hes my dad, Mark Reiman. My father was blessed with the indisposition ALS, Amyotr ophic Lateral Sclerosis. For those of you who dont know what this disease is about, it weakens your muscles until you are unable to function.It can accept your voice, your mobility, and it can even affect how well you chew your food. Seventy five percent of people smitten with this disease only live 2 to 5 years later their diagnosis. My father has now lived with it for almost eight years.Many of you are believably wondering why I used the word blessed. My dad, and my family also, have come to the belief that he contracted this illness for a reason. That reason is he has been given the opportunity to change peoples lives. Hes given people hope when they panorama there was nothing left to hope for. Hes loved people when they scene they were unlovable, that because they no longer had the physical abilities they once had, they were a nuisance.Believe me, you can accomplish so much with your mind and touch so some people with your heart. Hes also taught people that every day we h ave is a blessing. We need to make every second count, because life is great. I soused life is awesome, you guys. If I have learned anything through my dads affliction or from our years at Tates Creek, its that I love life -- and want to hump as much of it as possible.Now my dad is just one guy, and look what hes done. We are individuals.