A Note to The Graduates

Me, with my fourth grade team

Last week, I had the pleasure of addressing the fourth grade students at our school graduation. I wrote a pretty good speech. In my head. While I was in the shower. Then, I got out of the shower and totally forgot the speech. Ha! Luckily, some of it came back to me and I was able to deliver some inspiration to the masses. Turns out, it applies to big people as well so read on and be inspired.

Good morning, parents, teachers, friends and family members, and good morning graduates! We’ve been preparing for this day all year, and yet, I can’t believe that it’s finally here. Scholars, I’m going to miss so many things about this fourth grade class:

High heel parties in my office with [name redacted].

Snacks and stories in my office with [name redacted] and [name redacted].

Taking trips to Dunkin Donuts with [name redacted], [name redacted], [name redacted], and so many more of you.

Practicing cartwheels in the hallway with [name redacted] and [name redacted], which I still haven’t perfected. I’m sure we probably disrupted a few second grade lessons in the process, but the laughs and good times made it all worth it.

Talks with [name redacted] about how my children are doing.

And helping many of you solve problems throughout the year.

To [my principal] I’ve learned so much from your leadership these past couple of years and it’s truly been an amazing experience working with you. Thank you.

To the wonderful fourth grade teachers, I can’t think of another group of educators that I would've wanted to go through this year with. The way you love your scholars so fiercely, the way you reflect and self-correct, the way you make sure that every scholar reaches his or her fullest potential is truly incredible. You push me to work harder, to work smarter, and to be a fearless leader. Cheers to Team Summit! [That's an inside joke.]

Graduates, people ask me all the time how I do this job. How I keep up with the demands of this position, especially when I have two children of my own at home... how I keep up the stamina... how do I make this sustainable? But the question isn’t how, it’s why.

Why do I do this job? Well, just look around. Each of you inspire me to be a little bit better every single day. To be better today than I was yesterday. Because you deserve my best. I’ve found my purpose; I’ve found my why. Every morning when I wake up at 5:30am, I remember why I do this job and it pushes me to want to be excellent.

So scholars, remember your why. As you leave our school, as you go through middle school and then high school… as you weave in and out of friendships and try to find your people… as you stumble and fall and get back up again… remember your why.

It won’t necessarily make things easier – we already know that from having to press through [this year]. Things never get easier, but you... You get better.

I can’t wait to see where you all land in 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years because I know it’ll be someplace amazing. Remember your why. It may not make things easier, no. But it’ll make it worth it.

Now…. go forth and be great. Because you already are.

Cheers to the class of 2029.

Obviously I took out names and all identifying information. Why'd you think?