We've only just begun to live.

My Commencement address.

Graduates of the class of 2012, forget what you learned these past four years. Instead you should start reading about what you normally have little interest in. Read the newspaper. Read books other than text books. Read biographies, autobiographies, counter culture magazines, or anything that might challenge your values and beliefs. Know what others are thinking. Know what others are saying or writing.

If your degree centers around computing and mathematic then, find a biography of Walt Disney or Charles Shultz. If your degree is in medicine then, read how the Cuban revolution came about. If you were a history or English major then, read about professional sports or ballet. If you are received your degree in engineering or architecture then, you might want to study creative writing or studying the classic philosophers.

Do or read anything outside your comfort zone. Start keeping and writing in a daily diary. Express yourself in writing. Study new words. Study word and thought found away from your major or study discipline.

Again, know what others are thinking and saying. Try to understand what others are reading. Help them to understand your way of thinking. Round yourself out. Be confident in talking with others who disagree with you. Help others understand who or what you are. Communicate. Share yourself. Try to encourage others to explain themselves as well.

Join Toastmasters. Join discussion groups. Exchange ideas. Write. Express. And understand who you are. What do you believe? What is your philosophy of life. Give, take, and understand the world you live in.

Then my friends, you will have a greater chance for success. Doors will open. Opportunity will be there in front of you. All because you have an understanding of who you are and what the world is all about.

Life is more than a spread sheet. Life is more than internal medicine. Life is more than structural stress calculations. Life is more than conjugating a verb.

Life is bigger than all of us combined. So prepare yourself for a lifelong learning and reading process. Your learning has just begun. Read, write, and ask questions. Go get’em boys and girls.