Graduation day is always bittersweet. On one hand, I have to say goodbye to some of the best people I know. On the other hand, I get to celebrate with them the great many things they have achieved — and all of the great many more things they will achieve, and achieve, and achieve. On one hand, I will miss seeing the students who have taught me so much in my classroom. On the other hand, I know that these incredible, strong, smart, empathetic, talented people are heading out into the world. And I know that with them in it, the world will be changed, for the better — just as I have been changed for the better by their presence in my world.
So here’s to you, class of 2013: thank you for making a difference in my life, and thank you for the difference you’re about to make in our world.