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A Former Graduate  Dear Graduates:
First of all, I would like to congratulate you all on what you have accomplished today. I am sure some of you thought this day would never come; others that they would never make it. Well, here you are. Congratulations. Now, this is the part where I am supposed to give you all my words of wisdom. It seems strange that only two years ago I sat where you now sit. I remember before our Grad Mrs. Shilka asked all of us what our plans for the future were. Until then I thought I new. Since then, I have changed my mind several times, and somehow I ended up here, halfway around the world. So I guess the big question is, what have I learned in the last two years since I walked off that stage where you now sit? SUNSCREEN !!! It will save you a lot of pain, and it only takes seconds to put on.  On the more serious side of things, in the last two years I have really learned three lessons, the first one being that you can do or be anything you want, if you are willing to work hard enough. There is nothing in this world as powerful as human will.
The second lesson is actually one the Army taught me, and that is the value and importance of teamwork. Things that seem impossible become possible through working together. The third thing I learned became especially apparent to me in the last four months, and that is the importance of good friends. Good friends can make the worst situation or day bearable, and even fun. A good friend can make you laugh when you feel like crying. Keep in touch with your friends and remember that there is no limit to the number of friends you can have, so don't be afraid to make new ones. That is probably the most important lesson I have to pass on to you. That, and wear sunscreen. Trust me. 
That's all I have to say, other than to have fun tonight, take lots of pictures to show me, ... and be safe. Congratulations again. Blake 3 PPCLI Battle Group Afghanistan |