Luke says Moo!

Four years ago I stood before my high school graduating class (2001) and gave a speech as the Salutatorian. Since then I’ve undergone some major transformations and have changed a great deal.

Somehow the words and wisdom I possessed standing on that podium left me and I’ve had certain difficulties through my career at Rose-Hulman. I’ve been depressed, happy, stressed, joyous, sad, and pretty much every emotion possible during this time. Unfortunately, the stress and difficulties seem to have been predominate and will most likely not be forgotten any time soon. The joys and triumphs have been there, but they were fleeting or buried beneath the other stuff.

Below you will find the speech I gave to my peers that evening and now I’m posting it here as I go to my pseudo-graduation:

Good evening graduates and guests,

First, I want to thank God for my many talents and abilities, for allowing me to have a loving family, and wonderful people to grow-up around. Next, I want to thank my parents for doing everything they can to make sure that my life will be as perfect as possible. I want to thank my Mom for all the times she forced me to practice my instruments and for taking me to all of my events. Mrs. Ledbetter thank you for working so hard to make us a great band. To all of my teachers, thank you for the knowledge you have given me. Friends thank you for putting up with me and always being there. I want to thank everyone who has ever worked behind the scenes, because someone has to do it.

Classmates, through our years in school we have been prodded to set goals, and then to reach them. Today, after many years of waiting, we have reached one of the biggest goals of our lives, (high school) graduation. As we set off to a new life, where opportunity is always just around the corner, I urge you to set new goals. There goals will be the fulfillment of your dreams. Only you know your dreams and only you know what it will take to reach that goal.

Know now that no one can guarantee that all of your goals will come true. The goals you set will be illusive and will require all of your skills and strength. The world will not be as helpful as the teachers who have helped us every step of the way. Everyone will be trying to reach their own goals, and your goals will not be important to them. To reach your goals you must persevere. Perseverance will pull you through the worst times.

In the course of a man’s life he lost his job, he was defeated when he ran for the state legislature, he failed at business, his sweetheart died, he had a nervous breakdown, when he made it to the legislature he was defeated for Speaker, he was defeated for nomination to Congress, he lost his re-nomination, he was rejected as a land officer, he was defeated for U.S. Senate, he was defeated for Vice President, and again defeated for U.S. Senate. Even with this enormous list of defeats, everyone in this room recognizes his name. His speeches are still studied by scholars and many look to him for inspiration. This man helped to change a nation and bind that nation back together. Through all of these defeats and challenges, Abraham Lincoln continued to persevere, and became (the 16th) President of the United States. This great man is now remembered because he persevered through loss and difficult times. You must persevere to reach your ultimate goals.

Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end.” This simply means that God has a purpose for you and that you must continue to work to find the end of the road. Through failures and successes, we must all persevere to reach our goals.

As we finally set off to a new life, I wish you each success. May the Lord protect you and guide you through life’s trials, and when success comes, may you remember the Lord in your rejoicing. Thank you and good night.

(Things in parenthesis were added for clarity at a later date.)

********************Rather Important Part:

If the pseudo-graduation remark didn’t tip you off, then I’m going to spell it out: I did not receive my diploma today as planned. I’ve made it through 4 years here and it looks like I get to enjoy the pleasure of returning in September for another quarter.

ECE310 Communication Systems has kicked my ass. What I thought was a “D” (passing) turned out to be a failing grade. I’ve spent the past couple of days talking with officials at school to try and find a way to alter the situation. Unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck getting things to work in my favor.

Next, I did receive 2 (yup, two) job offers. Unfortunately, because of my screw up one has been completely revoked, but they suggested I contact them again after I get my diploma to see if, perhaps, they might, possibly have an opening. The other company’s HR person must contact the VP that is in charge of my division and see what his thoughts are on my taking a class during the working day and what problems would be caused by not having my degree. HR mentioned that it would be highly likely that they would consider taking me on after I had received my diploma, but that would have to wait for his decision. And I spoke to the head of my department, so now I have chase done some information at a college local to offer #2 to see about getting transfer credit and hope they have an evening class.

Oh, well. I’m going to follow the path that has been laid by the Almighty and myself…let’s just hope that He had a little more to do with its layout than I did.