Question:
“You have just completed your 300 page autobiography. Please submit page 217″
My hands are clammy as I climbed up the stage. I was here at ___ University’s stage just twenty years ago, as a graduate accepting her diploma. I worked so hard in those four years in college. And I supported myself through student loans and TA work. I survived and got my degree. Resilience helped me through those times – it was hard to not have money in the bank, and needs and dreams that had to be fulfilled. I ploughed through; I had long decided that it was not me to be limited by the size of my wallet or whatever limitations life presented me. By my third year, I was even president of the debate team, and editor of the college newspaper. I knew my special talent was my ability to weave words into beautiful logical structures that affect people and make a difference in their lives. This was also the time I got the idea of establishing my own publishing company, for which I had to start from scratch, pockets empty as what I’d been used to.
As I climb the stage now to deliver this year’s commencement speech, I think of the words I wrote – the lines I wove. I had always been in love with the written word; yet, in my nervousness, I feel a tinge of doubt. Will what I say now make a difference in the graduates’ lives?
As I built my publishing company, I encountered some challenges. Funding was not consistent so I held off paying myself and even moonlighted as writer to get extra capital. I found fulfillment in writing because I learned so much. I became open to so many ideas, and I realized that it is in diversity that we are so rich – diversity in people, experiences and realities. The words I wrote part-time, to support a dream, brought together people who later on became my friends and allies. They came to me with their own unique strengths and talents. With their help, and with the hard work and resilience that had buoyed me through life’s trials, I was able to put together a stronger and happier publishing company.
I turn to my words now, those I wrote to inspire this year’s graduates; and I regain my confidence. It has been through these creations of mine that I learned so much and gained so much. I face a diverse crowd. I know that when they step out into the world as graduates they will trek a path towards their own dreams. And each one will add to this world. They just have to work hard, adjust positively to changes, and remain open. I deliver my speech without much pomp. My message is simple. And as I walk off the stage, I wish that what I said gave each one of my listeners the courage to get out their and fulfill their dreams.
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Q: What do you believe to be your generation’s greatest challenge?
The problems that beset our nation today are sad but familiar issues. We are at war in a foreign country. In our own land, some people have to battle hunger. At the same time, while I graduate this spring from one of the country’s best private high school, some kids my age graduate without even knowing how to read. War, poverty and illiteracy remain very real in America. Unfortunately, these problems are not new – they have been around since we became a nation.
There is one problem though that became more apparent in recent times. With the advent of the internet, the world has become smaller. Certain situations may require us to interact, chat or work with peoples of different races. We might not even get to see them but through the web, we form some kind of connection. The problem arises when we give in to our fear, the fear of all that is different.
Realities today are different such that before, we can conduct business locally, with people like us and with habits and attitudes that we are used to. Today, the world is literally your market. You can sell your product to anywhere across the globe. You can also get help, or contractor support from practically anyone, anywhere.
This globalized scenario brings together different cultures; and sometimes, our initial reaction would be to shun anything and anyone different from us. We choose to retreat into our comfort zones, disregarding what opportunities there may be out there for new business or new friends.
The problem of fearing all that is different may come with dire consequences if we do not do something about it. Our generation may be left behind in this revolutionized world trade. At the same, we may also be missing out on more efficient ways of developing and selling our products and services. If we let go of this fear of what is different, we let diverse ideas in. we can improve the way we do things. At the same time, we are empowered by a greater understanding of everyone else.
It may not be easy to address this problem. I think we are taught to keep to ourselves, and “be American.” But we can do something. We can start now. I try to conquer my fear by taking a foreign language class. I also intend to travel abroad when I get a chance and experience their culture first-hand.
I think we can face this issue head on once we accept that this is now the norm – that we have to change our attitudes in order to improve ourselves. I think that in the end, if we do this, we end up creating a positive and understanding environment as we go about our daily lives and as we struggle to succeed in our chosen careers. In choosing to understand others, we also end up understanding ourselves better.
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