Looking at the graduates on the day of the commencement at John Carroll, my heart became full of affection for them not because of hardships they have to face but because of their accomplishments last four years. They had been quiet influencers in the community even though they struggled to figure out their future. Many friends and students had looked upto their resilience and optimism in everyday life. I can personally testify to this fact by knowing that many now take an opportunity to do a year of service or more. What if I were in their place? It wouldn’t be easy to set aside such an important time in life to serve others. It is a true evidence of Jesuit education in which a student become a leader in learning and service in the region and in the world. I pray for their dream of becoming men and women fully alive for others. I want to quote this for our graduates.
“Heroes are those who kindle a great light in the world, who set up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for people to see by. Saints are those who walk through the dark paths of the world, themselves a light.”
Tom Brokaw said, “Go forth and be the next greatest generation!” It is our duty to witness to the graduates’ way to be the greatest. I see that they have quality to bring about a responsible and futuristic life. Their four years have shown us to put our confidence in them.
It is Sunday they graduated from one school and began another school called “life after college.” It is Sunday they remembered their four-year learning and failing, and celebrated their steadfast spirit. It is Sunday their beloved family and friends congratulated to their accomplishments and prayed for them to be courageous in their going forth.
Remembering many familiar faces in many Sundays we celebrated together, I put my trust in them for I know that they will make a big difference in the world. God bless our graduates.