Mr. Toaha:
Trust the process. No seed looks like a tree.
The person who deceives you more than anybody else is you.
One thing will not make you happy. Happiness is multi-causal.
Success inspires confidence. Failure inspires caution. Both are necessary to win.
The best friendships have communication, humor, appreciation and trust (C.H.A.T.).
The technology that will make your life easier is already out there; you just have to discover it.
When a negative experience motivates enough positive change, you can start to see it as a positive experience.
Be proud about getting an A. But recognize that regular people will only appreciate you when you create value for others.
When you have a difficult decision to make, there may be no perfect solutions, only trade-offs.
Best friends are awesome. But as life changes, you will grow apart from them. Learning to bond with everyday people is insurance for your mental health.
Human beings are extremely adaptive, able to thrive in almost any environment, from deserts to mountains. But that ability to thrive is rooted in our ability to learn from the experience and wisdom of others.
Work to live a life where you have more dreams than nightmares. This means live a life where you’re motivated mainly by hope, kindness, truth, serenity, etc, not a life where you’re motivated by fear, resentment, self-pity, guilt etc.
Ms. Hysaj:
Dear Graduates:
Get up early. Getting up early is a gift you give to yourself in improving the academic performance in college. Surround yourself with good friends. Good friends are the best medicine for confiding worries, sharing stories, getting advice, having fun, and dreaming. In other words, living.
Take responsibility, focus on what you can control, and live with excellence.
Always carry a book with you. “So long as you live, keep learning how to live,” noted Seneca.
Mr. Kaminsky:
As someone who has been around a few years I have some advice for you. First when something does not go your way do not let that keep you down just get back up and keep moving on. Always keep moving forward. When you have a successful moment, enjoy it you earned that moment. Be supportive of those around you. You never know who could use the support on any given day. Lastly, whatever you choose to do in the future make sure you do something you love. I know it is cliche but if you enjoy your career it will really not feel like work at all. My alarm goes off at 4:30am every day and I always get excited for my day, because I do what I love and have passion for. Find the career that brings you that joy daily. Congratulations on graduating and I look forward to hearing about your adventures on your visits back.
Ms. Glass:
Congratulations graduating seniors! As you embark on the next chapter of your life, remember that there are a million things you haven’t done-but just you wait! Life will be full of challenges, adventures, highs and lows. If you always pursue your passion and remember that it is not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up-you will blow us all away! Look around-you are in the greatest city in the world, and this is your chance to make your mark, create your legacy. We will always have our eyes on you, but now is the time to tell YOUR story, write YOUR next chapter, and of course, make it a bestseller! And never, ever throw away your shot!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Alvear
Dear Graduates,
Before walking across the stage to receive your diploma, I hope you take a minute to reflect on all you’ve accomplished and experienced, thank those that supported you through both the good and the bad, and prepare to use the lessons you’ve learned to avoid repeating the same mistakes of the past. Whatever career you eventually choose to pursue, be sure that it’s something you’re passionate about or it WILL feel like work. Last but not least, remember that life is too short for regrets – so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. I hope you lead a life you’re proud of and may you continue to touch lives wherever you go. Congratulations and best of luck wherever the days that follow take you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Alvear