To the Graduating Class,

First of all, congratulations!

From the first day of class until the moment you walked (or ran) away from your last final, I hope you made the best of your college experience. I hope you took every opportunity that crossed your path and that these opportunities instilled in you lessons that you will carry on throughout your life. I hope you gained friendships that last a lifetime, and I hope you have realized just how much you're worth. I hope you have learned more than what can be taught out of a book and that you utilize the professional and personal connections you've made along your journey.

College is more than a place to get your degree. It is a place to learn and to grow. You discover who you are and what you truly want in life. I hope you've followed your ambitions and chased your dreams. I hope that for each hour of study, you had an hour of fun and two hours of sleep (just kidding, you probably didn't get any of sleep). They've said that college is supposed to be the best four years of your life; let's face it, for some it's the best five, six, or more, but that's OK, too. The point is that you made it!

Walking across the stage, you come closer to the piece of paper that you've worked so hard for. A piece of paper that signifies you have accomplished something that many did not get the opportunity to attempt. Please don't take it for granted. Be proud of your degree, and be proud that you received the opportunity earn it.

Now as you shake the hand of your university president, you may hear the shouts of the friends and family that have encouraged and supported you throughout this endeavor. Thank them. Show them how appreciative you are that they stood by your side through your break downs, your accomplishments and when you threatened to quit school and start a job as a stripper. That wasn't everyone? Just me? OK. Awkward.

Anyway, may your future be as bright as the sun in the sky and your luck so plentiful as if you've eaten a bowl of Lucky Charms every morning for the past 20 years. Be blessed in life, and never allow anyone to make you feel like you can't do something you desire.

You did it.