I promised Ann this entry, so here goes...
Cooking. Dusting. Vacuuming. Baking. Washing dishes. Laundry. These are common tasks for the housewife (or probably most wives in general). Yet, I don't lament them. I actually enjoy completing these often thankless tasks. Really. Don't get me wrong; I certainly don't consider them my idea of a good time (well, except for cooking/ baking), but I take joy in doing them, and doing them well. I think there's a satisfaction in knowing that I can make the home comfortable and inviting for my husband and our friends.
Plus, I know that by caring for our home, Scott can come home from work and just relax. He doesn't have to feel stressed out about the condition of the house; he can simply come home, grab a Dew, and chill in front of the X-box for a while. He WANTS to come home; is it any wonder why "being domestic" brings me joy, then?
There are so many women who pooh-pooh (or is it poo-poo?) the idea of the "woman's sphere", but why? My husband hasn't forced me into this role; I've chosen it because I love him. Besides, this particular role works for our family. What better way to feel appreciated than to know that he prefers being here with me than somewhere else?
And just because I care for the home doesn't mean I can't pursue additional or outside interests. I work. I get together with friends regularly. I have hobbies. I exercise. I just feel that as a wife, my primary task is taking care of and supporting my husband by caring for our home. After all, if he is the (primary) provider, then the best way to ease his burden is by supporting him here.
And don't think that I'm a slave to the house, either. I have a cleaning routine that works for me. And Scott knows that I won't clean his man-room or the adjacent bathroom; since he uses those areas, he's responsible for them. He'll also readily chip in with daily chores if I ask or if I have to go somewhere. So in that way, he supports me, too.
So if being "domestic" isn't so bad, why all the fuss?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Only one
First, check out this article on Fox News about faith in America.
Is anyone else as disturbed as I am by it? I find it appalling that so many people of faith--whatever that faith might be-- think that there are alternative paths to heaven. Our culture is so concerned with tolerance that we've abandoned Truth; we don't want to offend, so instead of boldly sharing our beliefs, we apologize for them, as if believing them is criminal.
Now, I don't claim to be a theologian, but I am a believer, a daughter of Christ, and I know what the Bible teaches. So when I hear that a vast majority of believers think there are multiple paths to one destination, I can't help but get riled up.
Consider some of the claims:
1. All roads lead to heaven.
-Uh, no, they don't. As the article referenced, Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth, and the light; no one comes to the father except through me." Now, if we believe that the Bible is God's Truth, then we have to believe this statement by Christ. We can't just pick and choose what we want to believe; if we do that, then we're basing our faith on lies and personal opinion. Faith then becomes us-centered rather than God-centered.
-If all roads lead to heaven, then why bother believing? Seriously. Why not just do away with religion and faith all together if they all have the same result? Sound absurd? Of course it does! It's like too many kids' sporting competitions these days; we can't say that one team won the division or the championship because it might hurt everyone else's feelings. But when we negate the joy of winning, we negate the purpose of the game. Hard work, perseverance, determination, team work, and even graciousness all become obsolete. Isn't that what happens when we equalize all religions?
As a believer in Christ, I know how difficult it is to walk with Him daily; faith is hard work. I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but I know that I must persevere. Through perseverance, God will develop my character and my faith. Challenges to my faith and character (just like an opposing team in a sporting event) push me to trust in the Truth; I know that my Coach won't tell me wrong. He has the team's best interest at heart. Fellow believers develop the ability to work together, just like a team. Independently, we can do nothing; but together, in Christ, we are strong. When we encourage each other in our walks with God, when we hold one another accountable, when we support one another in the challenging times, we as a team win. For in those moments, we demonstrate the awesome power of God in our lives and His ability to bring such diverse people together. But what about graciousness? That leads me to the next point...
2. God is gracious, so that's why He provides many paths to heaven.
-Yes, God is gracious, however, grace is extended to only those who have accepted it. Grace cannot be earned, yet many other religions teach that it must. For them, salvation is about what one can earn, and, in a sense, about hierarchy. Yet, grace is undeserved forgiveness. Grace depends solely on the giver; the beneficiary can do nothing but accept or reject it. That's why Christianity is so different from other religions. God's given us the ultimate pass; He sacrificed His only Son so that we might be forgiven. If, and only if, we accept that Truth, can we actually receive His grace.
-What bothers me is that too often people misinterpret what it means to be gracious. Grace doesn't mean tolerance; grace involves holding firm to a set of beliefs and then extending a pass (of a sort) to those who realize that they've violated those beliefs. We can't earn it; we can't buy it. I am as sinful as the next person, and there's nothing I can do to earn grace, but because I know that I am sinful, I can accept God's gift. He's given me an escape route, even though I don't deserve it.
-The other problem with this argument is that those who use it forget to mention that there are also consequences for our actions. Grace doesn't mean that all is fine. God forgives me for my sins, however, I do have to accept the consequences for my actions. For example, a parent might forgive a child for lying, but that child must now rebuild his parent's trust. He might also be punished for a time for lying. That doesn't negate the forgiveness, it just means that there are consequences.
3. A truly just God would not willingly condemn people to hell.
-Again, people who believe this statement do not understand the nature of God. Yes, God is just. He is fair. And ultimately, He wants what is best for us. But in His infinite justice, He has given us free will. We can choose whether or not we will accept His Son as our Saviour. Only a just God would give us a choice; an unjust God would mandate belief.
-A just God honors our decisions, even when they hurt Him. Our choice is salvation through Jesus Christ or some other alternative. If we choose salvation, then we will one day fellowship with God in heaven. If we choose the alternative, then we choose to be separated from Him. Why is that not just? He's honored our decision, even though it upsets Him. It's like in the classroom; if a student has a vocabulary quiz, he can choose to study or not to. If he studies, he will earn a good grade. This, of course, makes me happy. However, if he doesn't study, he will fail. Though that disappoints me, as an educator, I have to "honor" that decision by awarding the student the failing grade. Does that make me unjust?
Being a believer and follower of Christ does not mean that I'm intolerant; I respect those who firmly hold to their faith. However, I want others to share in my belief because I know, without a doubt, that there's only one way to salvation. I've received this wonderful, amazing gift that is offered to everyone, so why would I not want to share it? If I believe so passionately in this Truth, then doesn't it make sense that I would reject any other paths? Doesn't it make sense that I would want others to experience it, too?
Besides, if faith in Christ is wrong, what have I to lose? Nothing. But what about those who don't believe in Christ? What if they're wrong? What have they to lose? Everything.
Is anyone else as disturbed as I am by it? I find it appalling that so many people of faith--whatever that faith might be-- think that there are alternative paths to heaven. Our culture is so concerned with tolerance that we've abandoned Truth; we don't want to offend, so instead of boldly sharing our beliefs, we apologize for them, as if believing them is criminal.
Now, I don't claim to be a theologian, but I am a believer, a daughter of Christ, and I know what the Bible teaches. So when I hear that a vast majority of believers think there are multiple paths to one destination, I can't help but get riled up.
Consider some of the claims:
1. All roads lead to heaven.
-Uh, no, they don't. As the article referenced, Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth, and the light; no one comes to the father except through me." Now, if we believe that the Bible is God's Truth, then we have to believe this statement by Christ. We can't just pick and choose what we want to believe; if we do that, then we're basing our faith on lies and personal opinion. Faith then becomes us-centered rather than God-centered.
-If all roads lead to heaven, then why bother believing? Seriously. Why not just do away with religion and faith all together if they all have the same result? Sound absurd? Of course it does! It's like too many kids' sporting competitions these days; we can't say that one team won the division or the championship because it might hurt everyone else's feelings. But when we negate the joy of winning, we negate the purpose of the game. Hard work, perseverance, determination, team work, and even graciousness all become obsolete. Isn't that what happens when we equalize all religions?
As a believer in Christ, I know how difficult it is to walk with Him daily; faith is hard work. I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but I know that I must persevere. Through perseverance, God will develop my character and my faith. Challenges to my faith and character (just like an opposing team in a sporting event) push me to trust in the Truth; I know that my Coach won't tell me wrong. He has the team's best interest at heart. Fellow believers develop the ability to work together, just like a team. Independently, we can do nothing; but together, in Christ, we are strong. When we encourage each other in our walks with God, when we hold one another accountable, when we support one another in the challenging times, we as a team win. For in those moments, we demonstrate the awesome power of God in our lives and His ability to bring such diverse people together. But what about graciousness? That leads me to the next point...
2. God is gracious, so that's why He provides many paths to heaven.
-Yes, God is gracious, however, grace is extended to only those who have accepted it. Grace cannot be earned, yet many other religions teach that it must. For them, salvation is about what one can earn, and, in a sense, about hierarchy. Yet, grace is undeserved forgiveness. Grace depends solely on the giver; the beneficiary can do nothing but accept or reject it. That's why Christianity is so different from other religions. God's given us the ultimate pass; He sacrificed His only Son so that we might be forgiven. If, and only if, we accept that Truth, can we actually receive His grace.
-What bothers me is that too often people misinterpret what it means to be gracious. Grace doesn't mean tolerance; grace involves holding firm to a set of beliefs and then extending a pass (of a sort) to those who realize that they've violated those beliefs. We can't earn it; we can't buy it. I am as sinful as the next person, and there's nothing I can do to earn grace, but because I know that I am sinful, I can accept God's gift. He's given me an escape route, even though I don't deserve it.
-The other problem with this argument is that those who use it forget to mention that there are also consequences for our actions. Grace doesn't mean that all is fine. God forgives me for my sins, however, I do have to accept the consequences for my actions. For example, a parent might forgive a child for lying, but that child must now rebuild his parent's trust. He might also be punished for a time for lying. That doesn't negate the forgiveness, it just means that there are consequences.
3. A truly just God would not willingly condemn people to hell.
-Again, people who believe this statement do not understand the nature of God. Yes, God is just. He is fair. And ultimately, He wants what is best for us. But in His infinite justice, He has given us free will. We can choose whether or not we will accept His Son as our Saviour. Only a just God would give us a choice; an unjust God would mandate belief.
-A just God honors our decisions, even when they hurt Him. Our choice is salvation through Jesus Christ or some other alternative. If we choose salvation, then we will one day fellowship with God in heaven. If we choose the alternative, then we choose to be separated from Him. Why is that not just? He's honored our decision, even though it upsets Him. It's like in the classroom; if a student has a vocabulary quiz, he can choose to study or not to. If he studies, he will earn a good grade. This, of course, makes me happy. However, if he doesn't study, he will fail. Though that disappoints me, as an educator, I have to "honor" that decision by awarding the student the failing grade. Does that make me unjust?
Being a believer and follower of Christ does not mean that I'm intolerant; I respect those who firmly hold to their faith. However, I want others to share in my belief because I know, without a doubt, that there's only one way to salvation. I've received this wonderful, amazing gift that is offered to everyone, so why would I not want to share it? If I believe so passionately in this Truth, then doesn't it make sense that I would reject any other paths? Doesn't it make sense that I would want others to experience it, too?
Besides, if faith in Christ is wrong, what have I to lose? Nothing. But what about those who don't believe in Christ? What if they're wrong? What have they to lose? Everything.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Fiction's truth
An excerpt from Alice Munro's short story "Meneseteung":
The house is plainer than the Roth house and has no fruit trees or flowers planted around it. It is understood that this is a natural result of Jarvis Poulter's being a widower and living alone. A man may keep his house decent, but he will never--if he is a proper man--do much to decorate it. Marriage forces him to live with more ornament as well as sentiment, and it protects him, also, from the extremities of his own nature--from a frigid parsimony or a luxuriant sloth, from squalor, and from excessive sleeping, drinking, smoking, or free-thinking.
Ahhh, so that's why Scott cringes when I tell him I want to shop for furniture!
The house is plainer than the Roth house and has no fruit trees or flowers planted around it. It is understood that this is a natural result of Jarvis Poulter's being a widower and living alone. A man may keep his house decent, but he will never--if he is a proper man--do much to decorate it. Marriage forces him to live with more ornament as well as sentiment, and it protects him, also, from the extremities of his own nature--from a frigid parsimony or a luxuriant sloth, from squalor, and from excessive sleeping, drinking, smoking, or free-thinking.
Ahhh, so that's why Scott cringes when I tell him I want to shop for furniture!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Oh I wish I were a computer nerd (sung to the Oscar Meyer Wiener tune)
I am by no means a computer techie. Yes, I use the computer regularly, but that's for piddly tasks (email, Internet surfing, blogging). I can't keep all the computer programs and security straight for the life of me; thankfully, my dad is quite knowledgeable when it comes to those areas, so he helps out... a lot.
Still, I wish I had a better understanding of how this machine works; I mean, if I have a problem, I'm clueless! Ctrl+Alt+Del is the first (and usually only) solution that comes to mind when something acts up. Course, that won't help with any sort of connectivity issues that I might have.
Not to say that I haven't tried to understand this piece of technology, it's just that my brain doesn't function that way. I'm definitely more of a literary/ creative minded thinker (give me a book to analyze and I'm golden!) than I am a computer geek. Teach me how to run a program, and I'm fine; ask me to trouble-shoot or to explain the difference between spyware and antivirus software and well, I'm at a loss.
I guess you could say I'm even a bit of a technophobe. I'm not opposed to using technology, I just prefer not to. Again, though, I think it's due to my lack of understanding it. (Course, I don't understand investing, but that doesn't mean that I don't.) Don't get me wrong; I think technology is great. I just wish I better understood how it works.
So why the lament? Could it be due to the fact that I can't access certain websites that only a month or so ago I could? And the fact that this inaccessibility occurred out of the blue? That I now have to pester my dad regularly for help? That I'm ready to chuck the computer off the deck in the hopes that the fall might jar it into working again?
*sigh* Why does everything have to be so complicated?
Still, I wish I had a better understanding of how this machine works; I mean, if I have a problem, I'm clueless! Ctrl+Alt+Del is the first (and usually only) solution that comes to mind when something acts up. Course, that won't help with any sort of connectivity issues that I might have.
Not to say that I haven't tried to understand this piece of technology, it's just that my brain doesn't function that way. I'm definitely more of a literary/ creative minded thinker (give me a book to analyze and I'm golden!) than I am a computer geek. Teach me how to run a program, and I'm fine; ask me to trouble-shoot or to explain the difference between spyware and antivirus software and well, I'm at a loss.
I guess you could say I'm even a bit of a technophobe. I'm not opposed to using technology, I just prefer not to. Again, though, I think it's due to my lack of understanding it. (Course, I don't understand investing, but that doesn't mean that I don't.) Don't get me wrong; I think technology is great. I just wish I better understood how it works.
So why the lament? Could it be due to the fact that I can't access certain websites that only a month or so ago I could? And the fact that this inaccessibility occurred out of the blue? That I now have to pester my dad regularly for help? That I'm ready to chuck the computer off the deck in the hopes that the fall might jar it into working again?
*sigh* Why does everything have to be so complicated?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A little something I like to call RESPONSIBILITY
Lessons in responsibility as evidenced by students.
1. Why walk to the bus stop when you can drive? Besides, the bus stop IS just under .10 of a mile from the house, so, it's best if a parent drives you there. Seriously?! Seems a bit outrageous, but that's what I witnessed this year as I left my house for work. Sure enough, I'd see mom/dad and son/ daughter waiting for the bus. On a couple of occasions I actually followed the car up the street only to discover that they live not far from the bus stop. If they were going to drive their kids less than a tenth of a mile to the bus stop, why didn't they just drive them to school?
The lesson: Students, especially those in high school, should not have to over exert themselves by walking to the bus stop. Taking the bus is traumatic enough; why make it more traumatic by requiring them to exercise?
2. If you submit your work eventually, then you should be rewarded. At least, that's what one young lady in junior English thought. After failing most of this quarter, she asked if she had a chance at passing for the year. "Probably not; it depends on the numbers, " I replied. "Well, I'm going to turn in all my missing work," she assured me. I, silly me, thought that she was going to submit the missing work that day or the next; no, she submitted it about a week later. I guess she wanted to see how many deductions she could accrue. Needless to say, I think she scored a 7, a 2, and maybe a 4 on the missing journals.
The lesson: Deadlines and tardiness are relative; if a student completes an assignment, he deserves full credit. After all, he took time out of his busy schedule to partially and poorly complete an assignment that was due over a month ago.
3. School is about effort, not learning. As part of the final exam, I asked my sophomores to reflect on their experiences this year. One question asks for ways in which I could improve the course. Some suggestions are actually feasible, and others, well, others simply contradict my philosophy of education. One young lady recommended that I change how I award credit for an assignment. Students should be graded based on effort, not on mastery of a particular skill or objective. Hmmm, I could understand that when it comes to creativity/ art, but for English as a whole?
The lesson: Effort is more important than knowledge and growth. Who cares if students don't actually learn anything so long as they tried. Everyone deserves a gold star simply for showing up to class.
4. Finally, some real growth. Back in February, students completed the scheduling process for next year. I told my sophomores that I would only recommend them to AP English 11 if they had an A or B, or, in some cases, a high C. One young man signed up for regular English 11 due to his steady C, even though I knew he could handle AP. Yesterday, his mom e-mailed me to ask if I would recommend her son to AP. He managed to earn a B this last quarter, and that made him realize that he could handle AP next year. I was floored by the email; it's the kind of request most teachers would like to receive. (And yes, I affirmed the request.)
The lesson: Challenging students does produce growth, even though it might take them all year. Witnessing this maturity is a rare treat, but when it occurs, my teaching, my work, is validated. Even better? I know this young man has accepted full responsibility for his successes (and failures), enabling him to make even better choices in the future.
1. Why walk to the bus stop when you can drive? Besides, the bus stop IS just under .10 of a mile from the house, so, it's best if a parent drives you there. Seriously?! Seems a bit outrageous, but that's what I witnessed this year as I left my house for work. Sure enough, I'd see mom/dad and son/ daughter waiting for the bus. On a couple of occasions I actually followed the car up the street only to discover that they live not far from the bus stop. If they were going to drive their kids less than a tenth of a mile to the bus stop, why didn't they just drive them to school?
The lesson: Students, especially those in high school, should not have to over exert themselves by walking to the bus stop. Taking the bus is traumatic enough; why make it more traumatic by requiring them to exercise?
2. If you submit your work eventually, then you should be rewarded. At least, that's what one young lady in junior English thought. After failing most of this quarter, she asked if she had a chance at passing for the year. "Probably not; it depends on the numbers, " I replied. "Well, I'm going to turn in all my missing work," she assured me. I, silly me, thought that she was going to submit the missing work that day or the next; no, she submitted it about a week later. I guess she wanted to see how many deductions she could accrue. Needless to say, I think she scored a 7, a 2, and maybe a 4 on the missing journals.
The lesson: Deadlines and tardiness are relative; if a student completes an assignment, he deserves full credit. After all, he took time out of his busy schedule to partially and poorly complete an assignment that was due over a month ago.
3. School is about effort, not learning. As part of the final exam, I asked my sophomores to reflect on their experiences this year. One question asks for ways in which I could improve the course. Some suggestions are actually feasible, and others, well, others simply contradict my philosophy of education. One young lady recommended that I change how I award credit for an assignment. Students should be graded based on effort, not on mastery of a particular skill or objective. Hmmm, I could understand that when it comes to creativity/ art, but for English as a whole?
The lesson: Effort is more important than knowledge and growth. Who cares if students don't actually learn anything so long as they tried. Everyone deserves a gold star simply for showing up to class.
4. Finally, some real growth. Back in February, students completed the scheduling process for next year. I told my sophomores that I would only recommend them to AP English 11 if they had an A or B, or, in some cases, a high C. One young man signed up for regular English 11 due to his steady C, even though I knew he could handle AP. Yesterday, his mom e-mailed me to ask if I would recommend her son to AP. He managed to earn a B this last quarter, and that made him realize that he could handle AP next year. I was floored by the email; it's the kind of request most teachers would like to receive. (And yes, I affirmed the request.)
The lesson: Challenging students does produce growth, even though it might take them all year. Witnessing this maturity is a rare treat, but when it occurs, my teaching, my work, is validated. Even better? I know this young man has accepted full responsibility for his successes (and failures), enabling him to make even better choices in the future.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
There's gotta be a Wegman's in heaven...
Jim Gaffigan and the Food Network says it all.
Wegman's. Mmmmmmmmm.
Today was not just an ordinary trip to the grocery store; no, today was an adventure in food. A veritable visual smorgasbord. It was hypnotic even.
Now, I've been to a Wegman's once or twice before when we were visiting Scott's family in NY, but since it's just Wegman's there (versus it's Wegman's! here), well, I didn't fully appreciate the experience. But today, today was different because I wasn't alone. Ann and Ali were with me, and they were just as mesmerized as I (though Ali wasn't as in awe since she braved the crowds on Sunday).
So we walk in, and there to greet us is this amazing produce section. Yum! I mean, I like fruits and veggies, but they looked downright beautiful! Or, as Ann remarked, "It makes me want to eat fruit."
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Before fully partaking in the exotic, domestic, organic, and oh-so-sinful produce (can produce be sinful?), we ventured through the "marketplace." Not exactly a good idea on an empty stomach. Everything was so tempting! (Just thinking about it makes me salivate!) Alison knew exactly where to direct us-- the pastries and breads. Delicious! The fruit pastries looked too perfect; I mean, I (almost) contemplated buying a foot-long fruit tart (why? Why not? Shouldn't everyone shell out $25 for one?) (Later I did satiate my sweet tooth with a mini fruit tart; so much easier on the budget.)
And have I mentioned dinner? I managed to find everything (well, almost) on my grocery list, but then I had to decide on dinner. Since Scott wasn't going to be joining me, I had the luxury of choosing whatever I wanted. Oh boy. (Have I mentioned that I went on an empty stomach? Did I mention the free samples? What about the tart? Did I mention that?) Thanks to the samples, I knew exactly what I wanted for dinner: cheese, bread, and fruit. So yum.
Now the big question is whether or not Wegman's is worth it; if it works out to be cheaper than Shoppers, then I just might switch. Of course, if I'll be tempted to spend beyond my budget (or simply forgo the shopping list), then I might have to limit my visits. Or I'll simply need to go on a full stomach. And without my friends (who are so good about encouraging me).
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Oh happy day
Congrats to the class of 2008! Walking the senior-lined hallways this morning, I was rewarded for all my efforts as a teacher. Granted, I know teaching isn't about the rewards, but sometimes we need to be reminded that we are making a difference (doesn't everyone need that affirmation?).
There's no greater thanks than a student seeking you out to thank you or to hug you good-bye. It's as if it's finally acceptable for them to express their appreciation and gratitude. For some, achieving this step was easy; school was challenging at times, but not graduating was never an issue. For others, graduation is truly an achievement; for whatever reason, school hasn't come easily for them. For all, though, this day is special. And I'm grateful that I've been a part of their school experience.
Saying good-bye is a special moment. Yes, I feel validated as an educator, but I also think the students realize just how much we teachers care. I and my co-workers tried to connect with as many seniors as possible, passing along our congrats and the occasional hug, listening to their future plans and wishing them well. This is what high school is about-- caring, connecting, and preparing students for the next stage in life.
I hope they know that I do care and wish them all the best. I connected with some more than others, but I do wish them all success. And for those like D., who failed my class (last year) and who comes from a troubled family situation (he didn't even know if anyone from his family would actually be at graduation today), I hope he realizes that when I said, "I'm proud of you," that I really mean it. For him and others like him, I hope that the next chapter of his life is filled with warm moments and successes, growth, and love. And that he might recognize that someone does believe in him even if those who should don't.
So to the class of '08, may your lives be full and satisfying. May you seize the day, taking advantage of the many opportunities in your paths, making the most of your gifts and talents. Thank you for being my students, trusting me to prepare you for the future. Keep your heads up; you never know what the future will bring.
There's no greater thanks than a student seeking you out to thank you or to hug you good-bye. It's as if it's finally acceptable for them to express their appreciation and gratitude. For some, achieving this step was easy; school was challenging at times, but not graduating was never an issue. For others, graduation is truly an achievement; for whatever reason, school hasn't come easily for them. For all, though, this day is special. And I'm grateful that I've been a part of their school experience.
Saying good-bye is a special moment. Yes, I feel validated as an educator, but I also think the students realize just how much we teachers care. I and my co-workers tried to connect with as many seniors as possible, passing along our congrats and the occasional hug, listening to their future plans and wishing them well. This is what high school is about-- caring, connecting, and preparing students for the next stage in life.
I hope they know that I do care and wish them all the best. I connected with some more than others, but I do wish them all success. And for those like D., who failed my class (last year) and who comes from a troubled family situation (he didn't even know if anyone from his family would actually be at graduation today), I hope he realizes that when I said, "I'm proud of you," that I really mean it. For him and others like him, I hope that the next chapter of his life is filled with warm moments and successes, growth, and love. And that he might recognize that someone does believe in him even if those who should don't.
So to the class of '08, may your lives be full and satisfying. May you seize the day, taking advantage of the many opportunities in your paths, making the most of your gifts and talents. Thank you for being my students, trusting me to prepare you for the future. Keep your heads up; you never know what the future will bring.
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