On Monday I delivered a speech at the Induction Ceremony for our school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Although I passed on the role of Advisor three years ago, I did oversee the program for over two decades so this night was pure nostalgia to speak to current and new members for such a special occasion. There is indeed irony in my position with this elite society, because I was not seen for myself during my tumultuous teenage years. I was a spinning top desperate to escape the abuse or worse the denial from the start of double digits at home yet like a whirling dervish I lived out those years like an outlaw, unsanctioned and lost. But a life can heal even when it can’t forgive. My 31 years of teaching high school English acted as a restorative beyond my expectations. I am here to tell you, being a teacher is gold. You can make a difference. I am indebted to the hundreds of young people who have engaged with me in the pursuit of Literary/Life Analysis: they have taught me much. I can’t recognize the woman I was when I started this career for she became far more than I could have ever dreamt, strong and remarkable.

This blog post is my speech, (at the end of it I include an audio of myself reading it because speeches are meant to be heard.) I hope my simple words elicit hopeful encouragement for anyone.

Thank you for choosing me as your National Honor Society Induction speaker. I am honored and delighted to be able to congratulate you all. Accomplishments such as gaining admission to this nationally recognized and elite society takes drive and determination, especially when you can’t see the end of the road, but you keep going anyway. For this moment, on this day, feel the pride of such a grand accomplishment. Let that permeate you fully.

Although one is expected to impart wisdom when asked to speak at such an occasion, I am aware that my words, fleeting and floaty like confetti, may only barely reach your ears. Looking back at all the advice I was given during my teenage years, I must say, I didn’t listen to much of it. Not that I didn’t want to, but I have an independent streak that precluded heeding others’ wise words. I imagine there are those of you in the audience that might relate to this. At times I wish I had followed those who told me to take the smoother, well-worn path in life, instead of the poorly marked, often rocky and circuitous route, but I didn’t see myself discovering much along their way and struck out to find this one instead. 

Time and time again I ventured off on what now feels like a crazy exploration. Before you start envisioning how wonderful and magical explorations can be, don’t forget they are filled with challenges and pitfalls, all which come along unexpectedly and often with detours. There are even periods of time when there is no movement whatsoever, and you feel life spinning away while you sit solid and uncertain. You get stuck.

Perhaps only in reflection are these not so perfect moments so very precious. In the moment you can’t quite see your way out of yourself. But when you do, it will be exactly what you hoped life would be. And it will be all your own. A canvas streaked with the hues you blended from your own choices, your own decisions, your own learning.

So I ask you, new NHS inductees, what do you want to make your own? How do you hope to lighten the hallways of dear old PA? What new direction do you wish to forge next school year? There are more possibilities than there are stars in the sky, and together you just might illuminate this whole beautiful community if you try. Remember that this iconic building, built by hand of brick and mortar, has stood for almost 100 years, and during that time, students such as yourself, brilliant beacons, have left their lasting mark. Strive to make yours one of goodness and love. After all, isn’t that what one’s life should strive towards? 

In case anyone is indeed looking for a bit of advice, beyond maintaining the magnificent National Honor Society’s four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character, I challenge you to keep these close to your heart for all your tomorrows. In the very near future you will step away from this lovely school community, your cozy home, your dearest friends, and your own small past, into a vast world that needs your talents. Our world is desperate for excellent people like yourselves willing to do what it takes to solve the complex problems dominating our headlines. Focus on finding the one task that you really love to do, and learn to be the very best at doing it. Don’t let yourself stagnate for too long in despair or apathy or even distraction. Let one step lead you to the next. Let your heart and mind be your compass. Say yes to every dawn you are gifted. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Stretch a bit for excellence. Pay attention to the evening stars. Beyond even. 

Like floaty confetti, blow about for a bit, but do come back. Do find me out there on my next journey and let me know what you discover.