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Today, we reach the apex of over twelve years of homework, tests, and papers. Today we step into a different world.

“All men are created equal”, this was the first self-evident truth listed in the Declaration of Independence, the idea that the founding fathers embraced before all others and the cornerstone of democracy. That idea of equality is one which is often lost amidst the awards and celebrations of graduation. Realizing that for every award given, there are ten, twenty students just as qualified waiting in the wings, is a humbling thought.

I was standing in line for lunch one day, minding my own business, when one of my more outspoken classmates got in line behind me. I turned around and exchanged the usual pleasantries, hello, how are you, how’s your mother doing. You know, the basics. Then, out of the blue, he says, “Russell, you’re not smarter than anyone else—just better at jumping through hoops”. I, of course, smiled, nodded, and ran away as fast as I could.

Looking back, I finally understand that he was right.

An individual’s ability to ‘jump through hoops’ and achieve is very seldom the result of incredible intellect or outstanding athleticism. Achievement is instead a hallmark of a stable environment, caring parents, and a good attitude. The saying ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ is thrown around a lot in America. What many people forget is that you have to have bootstraps first.

For the first time though, leaving these doors, every single graduate has their slate cleared and a gift given to them; this gift, perhaps the greatest of all, is the freedom to do and be anything, the freedom to pick a path in life and succeed. For some, the gift will be easy to open. For others, that gift will take years of effort.

In high school, success was measured by GPA, popularity, and athletic performance. In life, success is measured by our contributions to society, how we live our life, and yes, even how many toys we can buy. Success in high school and success in life are two drastically different realities. They often come together, but by no means does one necessarily precede the other.

The sad truth is that only a few people can achieve success by contributing some great idea or amassing incredible wealth. Most of us will never win a Nobel Prize or own a Ferrari. There is one road to success, though, that each and every one of us has open.

On the first day of graduation practice, Mr. Woerpel was speaking into a microphone; he then set that microphone down just at the edge of this stage. As Mr. Woerpel turned his back, the microphone began to roll forward. Nearly every senior here saw it roll forward, me most of all. I saw the microphone, and I knew it was going to fall. I knew I should get up and stop it, but I didn’t. I didn’t because it was easier to sit in my comfortable seat and watch, easier to not risk embarrassment. At that moment, I was unwilling to do a small kindness and simply stop a microphone from falling.

No matter who we are, we can all achieve success through our interactions with others. We can show kindness and consideration where none is due; we can stand up and stop a microphone from falling. I was unwilling to do this small kindness out of fear—I hope that someday when the cost of inaction is something far more valuable, I will be able to stand up and save that microphone. That I will have learned from that day—learned that saving a microphone is worth stepping apart from the crowd.

Class of 2008, I can only hope that someday in the future you find my words have merit. That while opening your gift and succeeding in life, you always--first and foremost--remember to catch that microphone.