Graduates, here’s a ‘quart jar’ of advice

 

            Sir Edward Elgar had no idea what he started in 1901.

            One hundred and twenty-four years later, the English composer’s creation is one of the most-played songs in America.

            Especially this time of year.

            Imagine if he and his heirs had gotten just a dollar every time “Pomp and Circumstance” has been the soundtrack of thousands—no, millions—of graduations. I’ve walked and sweated in a black robe twice—high school and UGA—to that “dum, dum, dum-da-dum, dum ….”

            And during ceremonies, in between the first and last playing of Sir Edward’s song, speeches are sandwiched in between awards and diplomas. A cornerstone of those commencement addresses is advice for the graduates. From kindergarten to college postgraduate ceremonies, advice comes in heavy doses.

            As we say in the South, graduation speakers try to pour “a gallon into a quart jar.” I’ve been behind the podium plenty of times, and I’m sure that I’ve been accused by attendees of that overload, too.

            So, Class of 2025, let’s see whether I can be more concise and keep it to just a “quart.”

§  Watch your diet

            Wise food and drink choices are healthy. You’ve heard that over and over. I add “beware of what you feed your brain, too.” What you put in your mind is just as important as what you put in your mouth. Read. Read. Read books and articles that will help you stretch your potential. A positive attitude is a powerful asset. Auto pioneer Henry Ford said that whether you think you can or can’t, you are right.

§  Watch your manners

            In this hurry-up world, rudeness is overtaking kindness. If you don’t know the definition of “civility,” look it up. And if you want a living example of what civility is not, see it in action—road rage. Good manners will get you to where money never will. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale urged us to be kind to our neighbors. Why? They may be having as much trouble as you are. Maybe more. Set a goal to be known and respected as a lady or a gentleman.

§  Watch how you greet people

            When addressing people, look them in their eyes. Don’t mumble. Speak clearly. And when you shake a person’s hand, don’t do so with a limp clasp. I am not advising a bone-crushing grip, but use one that says, “Hey, I’m alive, and I’m glad to see you.” This may sound silly, but watch yourself—in a mirror—as you practice this over and over.

§  Watch who and what influences you

            Friends are one of life’s great treasures. But peer pressure is a two-edged sword. The sooner you embrace that fact, the sooner you’ll recognize when to opt out of a situation that you’ll one day regret. Jails and graveyards are full of people who were pressured by peers to “try this” or “go faster.” Saying no can be difficult and even embarrassing. Strive to be a leader, not a follower.

§  Watch how you use the internet

            By the time you were born, the internet had become king. Social-media platforms dominate how people communicate. With a click, you can spread your message around the globe. Don’t forget that what you launch into cyberspace will follow you beyond your teenage years. And one day, that “clever” or “cruel” post can rise up, cutting you and your aspirations. I’m a free-speech advocate. But the fact you can say something doesn’t mean you should.

            “Dum, dum, dum-da-dum, dum ….”  

            I think Sir Edward Elgar is saying the “quart jar” is full.

            Congratulations, 2025 grads.

 Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dnesmith@cninewspapers.com