This Is the End.
Graduation
As graduation drew near this semester, my program solicited requests for students to speak during commencement. I reflected on what I believed my classmates needed to hear as they prepared to enter the world and drafted a speech calling my peers to unite. Although I was one of two finalists, the selection committee ultimately chose another student, leaving me with an unrequited desire to spread my message and major disappointment. Despite my frustration, I still wanted my message out there for other graduates to hear. I decided that this speech fit well into This is the End. because in addition to its key message, it offers a different perspective on the end of college and graduation. Capsulating this piece of graduation will allow me to reflect on this particular end for years to come.
Sarah Spitery, BBA 2015
Stephen M. Ross School of Business Commencement Speech Submission
First, thank you to the family, friends, faculty, and administrators that are here to celebrate with the graduating class today. We could not have accomplished all that we have without your support, so we thank you for everything you’ve done for us.
From you, our family and mentors, we have inherited a significant amount. When you think about it, inheritance is an interesting commentary on the past, present, and future. It’s a snapshot of days that have come and gone. What we inherit, from the DNA in our genes to the world we are about to shape, is out of our control. We don’t get a say over the state of the world when we are born or during out childhoods, but we certainly can claim what we receive and build on groundwork that has been laid to create a brighter future for the generations we will eventually leave the world to.
When we are born, we are 99.9% similar to every other human, genetically speaking. That means you are 1/10 of a percent different from the person sitting next to you, your professors, every President of the United States, and Brad Pitt. Our environments and what we do with that 0.1% determine our differences. In many circumstances, the 0.1% is something to celebrate. It breeds rich diversity that allows us to have different perspectives. At Ross, we enthusiastically immerse ourselves in that diversity and look forward to building global careers.
In other cases, unfortunately, the tenth of a percentage can create expansive chasms between humans. Without a doubt, one of our generation’s necessary obstacles will be to unite, leaving behind the divisive environment that has stifled progress in our nation and around the world. We must reject the bitter arguments that divided Americans over critical issues The class of 2015 is inheriting an enormous trade deficit, unsustainable energy consumption habits, higher healthcare costs than any other developed nation, and a populous split over numerous social issues. Inheriting the nation in its current state will be no easy task; in fact, it’s daunting to imagine. But we’ve been prepared to take action as future business leaders. In the face of adversity and challenge, we can abide by the words of Maya Angelou, who stated, “During bad circumstances, which is the human inheritance, you must decide not to be reduced… We are obliged to know we are global citizens.” By using the positive, boundaryless, analytical, and action-based mindset we have so ardently worked to develop throughout our tenures at Ross, we will work together to build a better future for our children.
President John F. Kennedy summarized this message best during his address to American University in June of 1963. President Kennedy said, “I realize that the pursuit of peace is not as dramatic as the pursuit of war… But we have no more urgent task.”
As lofty as our goals are, we cannot reach them alone. Parents and grandparents, I’m sorry to say this, but we still need your help. We’re moving back in! Just kidding. In all sincerity, one of the first steps in moving forward together is to reflect backwards to see how far we’ve come, and how we did so. As intimidating as many of the problems we face as a generation are, we’re also coming into extreme wealth of culture and progress, thanks to the perseverance of those who have come before us. To provide an example, we couldn’t use the Internet to reach the world without the work of the first computer engineers, who made enormous technical advances to make computers widely accessible. We certainly wouldn’t be where we’re sitting today if it weren’t for our teachers. So, parents, professors, and mentors, please continue teaching us. The world will only improve if we never cease to learn and think in new ways.
Tom Brokaw declared our grandparents “The Greatest Generation.” Our parents then earned the moniker “Generation X,” as they confronted an increasingly complex, unpredictable world. Let us continue building upon their accomplishments, respect the past, and sustainably grow the future. Let us inherit the world and leave it better off than we found it for our children. Let us be known as the Unified Generation. The Generation of Leaders and Best. Thank you very much and Go Blue.