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, alarming the American public while they have talked about increased security, clinging to images of guns, blood and typical-looking teenagers committing unthinkable crimes. The media has focused on these incidents without giving attention to every last(predicate) of the potential and talent that is flourishing throughout our high schools. I invite them to recognize the inspired pupils who are propelling themselves beyond standard and motivating others more or less 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 only for ourselves, nevertheless for our kids and future generations.I would like to tell everybody about someone who has made the most of his opportunity. Many of you guys k at present him, and hes actually a very close peer of mine. Hes my dad, Mark Reiman. My father was blessed with the disease ALS, Amyotrophic 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 affect your voice, your mobility, and it can even affect how healthy you chew your food. Seventy five percent of people 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 word blessed. My dad, and my family also, have come to the belief that he assure this illness for a reason. That reason is he has been given the opportunity to change peoples lives. Hes given people confide when they thought there was nothing left to hope for. Hes loved 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 spotlight so many people with your heart. Hes also taught people that every day we hav e is a blessing. We need to make every second count, because life is great. I mean 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 palpate as much of it as possible.Now my dad is just one guy, and look what hes done. We are individuals.