Graduation is a heady experience

By Tom Owczarzak 

OK, think a few people will get this one right about this time.

I went to see my niece graduate last night. And not just graduate – give the Valedictorian Speech.

Yeah, cuz she is a serious badass.

Graduation is a heady experience. The excitement of the students, the charge in the air, the super proud families.

Summer just minutes away.

And they tend to be a bit lengthy – not that I would short the ceremony one bit. We should always stop and mark passages with as much fanfare as possible in my opinion.

But, there is a bit of time to look around and soak it in and, to be honest, get a bit nostalgic.

I graduated from High School 30 years ago – almost to the day.

And I still remember that feeling of just wide-open life. How scary and exciting it is at the same time. What do you do with this life thing?

But the thing I remember the most was the feeling of freedom.

For the first time, nobody could tell me what to do with any real authority.

We keep close eyes on our children. We manage every part of their lives – even the free time. And the law itself mandates that they go to school.

So, I could see that freedom on the faces of the grads last night. Although they may not yet understand what the feeling was – I know it will sink in and dawn on them.

They talk about how a captive beast will remain in place for days after the shackle is removed.

They will all go off and engage in life in various ways. My niece is going to study Physics at college.

But, from here on out, they have a choice in what they do.

Unlike anything they did before.

I went a little nuts with my freedom for probably longer than was probably healthy before I kind of pulled it together. Kinda.

And I still wondered if I did it too soon.

So, I have seen a lot of heartfelt wishes to graduates this week and I guess I want to add my own typical irreverent one.

To all graduates (but especially my niece) I wish the following for you:

That you use this next time in your life to make the biggest most glorious disasters that you can.

That you make some of your hugest mistakes.

Ones that are super dangerous and ill advised. Push every limit so you know where they are.

And then don’t accept those limits and push harder.

Consider the laws and rules that have bound your life – and then consider which ones to start ignoring. Or at least paying less attention to.

Make friends with people that may be terrible influences. And let them influence you.

Blow off homework, tests, commitments, appointments, and just anything you want.

Listen to really questionable advice from your Uncle.

But, above all, know that, no matter where you are or what time it is or why you are there – I will always always, always bail you out of jail. No questions asked.

Congratulations to all the graduates this year….hopefully your education has been successful enough for you to know better than to listen to me. Still super proud.

Tom Owczarzak holds a Masters in Philosophy, a Bachelors in Religious Studies and works as a Licensed Contractor building houses and other things