Commencement Address- Open Book Blog Hop

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 If you came here by way of Stevie Turner's blog, I'm glad you made it. Did you check out her books while you were there? You can also find them on her Amazon page at Stevie Turner

Now on to this week's question. If you were asked to give a commencement address for college graduates, what would you say?

Before I begin, I have a confession to make. First, I hate speeches. Most of them, anyway.If you asked me what was said at any of the commencements I've attended, I couldn't tell you. I'm sure there were words tossed around about the wonderful future and the brightest minds, but I'm not 100% sure about that. My selective hearing went into Charlie Brown mode—you know, wah,wah,wah.

My second confession is that I didn't want to be a speaker at graduation. My older sister was valedictorian of her high school class, and I think she gave herself an ulcer preparing and revising her speech countless times. I was pleased that I didn't have to do it when I graduated.

So I'm not going to give you a normal speech. In fact, you parents out there might want to cover your ears. I suspect that you aren't going to like what I'm going to say.

Dear graduates, be ready for life to kick you where it hurts the most. I have no doubt that you've worked hard to be out there today, wearing those hot robes and silly hats, and you think you're ready to face the world. Maybe some of you already have jobs lined up and if so, congratulations. If not, good luck on the search. But remember, whatever you go next, you're on the bottom of the pile again. You're starting from scratch. Unless, of course, you're lucky enough that you're going to work for your mommy or daddy.

But the majority of you are going to be trying to scratch your way to the top again—or at least to somewhere in the middle. And just when you're getting somewhere, there's a chance that life will steamroll you back to the bottom again. But it will be easier the second time around, because of what you've already learned.

Also, remember no matter how smart you are, there's someone smarter than you. Don't be jealous of them. You're still smarter than at least 50% of the people around you.

Okay, you parents who are pretending not to listen—you can uncover your ears now.

So I'd like to give you one—no, two pieces of advice. The first one is to be kind. Remember, everyone around you is in the same boat. A little kindness goes a long way. And I'm a firm believer in karma- if you do good for someone else, eventually, that good will come back to you. And hopefully it will be when you need it the most.

And the second piece of advice is well-worn but still relevant.. Life is a journey. If all you're looking for is the destination, you've already lost the game.Take time along the way to look around. You never know who you will find. If you're lucky you'll find yourself.

So graduates, go out and do great things. Oh, and put down those cell phones once in a while. Yes, you. You know who you are. And so does everyone else.

To find out what Kelly Williams would say, visit her blog at www.BlueHonor.com/blog/. You can find her books at Kelly's books.