My brother has seven children, ranging in age from 18 to 32. That means I’ve been to many graduations. Eighth grade. High school. College. In all conditions, from cramped, hot auditoriums to damp, chilly, and windy football fields, and a few virtual graduations during the pandemic years. A few weeks ago, we celebrated the final high school graduation for Osborne child number seven, my youngest niece Karah.

These graduations exhibited the qualities of ceremonies throughout history: bright, energetic graduates who have achieved much but, like an unwritten script, have entire lives yet to unfold; proud families and friends to witness the occasion; and someone to deliver a commencement speech intended to inspire.

Karah’s commencement ceremony theme was “You're going to miss this.” Aimed at the students and their parents, the speaker encouraged them to slow down and cherish the moments they often take for granted. As I always do, I reflected on my own commencements and reached the same conclusion – I don’t remember the speakers or their content. It’s likely not important that I recall a memorable quote decades later, but rather that I had a wonderful experience at the time, which I certainly did.

Some commencement speeches have lasting impact. I share such words here. Thanks to Allen Hauge from Vistage for sending it.

“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.

When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.

I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

“Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself,

and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself,

I could have made an impact on my family.  

My family and I could have made an impact on our town.

Their impact could have changed the nation,

and I could indeed have changed the world."

- Attributed to Aldous Huxley, 1894-1963
Author of “Brave New World”