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

Over the past year or so some dreadful events have occurred at high schools, appall the Ameri fuel public while they have talked about increased security, clinging to images of guns, transmission line and typical-looking teenagers committing unthinkable crimes. The media has focused on these incidents without giving attention to all of the potence and talent that is flourishing by dint ofout our high schools. I invite them to accept the inspired pupils who are propelling themselves beyond standard and motivating others nigh them. That is what I want the American public to be talking about.As young adults we have the opportunity to make a difference. Not completely for ourselves, but for our kids and future generations.I would like to tell e very(prenominal)body about individual who has made the most of his opportunity. numerous of you guys know him, and hes actually a very close friend of mine. Hes my tonic, Mark Reiman. My father was blessed with the disease ALS, Amyotrophic squinty 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 affect your voice, your mobility, and it can even affect how well you chew your food. Seventy five percent of stack afflicted with this disease only live 2 to 5 years after their diagnosis. My father has now lived with it for almost eight years.Many of you are probably wondering why I used the contrive 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 thought there was nothing left to hope for. Hes love people when they thought 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 bear on so many people with your heart. Hes also taught people that every sidereal day we have is a blessing. We need to make every second count, because bread and butter is great. I mean sustenance 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 experience as much of it as possible.Now my dad is just one guy, and look what hes done. We are individuals.