You, the students of the graduating Class of 2007, have braved the roller-coaster ride of a Tuftonian education. Now, you must walk out into what we still in school describe in hushed tones as "the real world."
You have grown immeasurably since that first day you arrived on a daunting and soon-to-be-freezing new campus. Between the late-night study sessions and gruelling exams, you have seen new buildings, like Sophia Gordon Hall, constructed, while others, like Carmichael, fall apart. You have seen racism and subsequent rallies for equality; you have fought both against the war in Iraq and for your right to party; you have attended candlelight vigils and epic hootenannies. Then, of course, you have simply sat around and done nothing, content in the company of your friends and companions.
Both extremes are equally important, in college and out. Whether spending 60-hour workweeks at the office, protesting to bring about social change or volunteering at a local school, shelter or soup kitchen, we should always remember to take time to just enjoy life. Though you might no longer have the library roof or the President's Lawn on which to sprawl out, it will still be necessary to relax.
Thus, our last piece of guidance stems from that American cinematic classic, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986). At the very end, Ferris turns to the camera and says, "Life moves pretty fast - if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Bueller has a good point. The fact that you are all here today is a testament to your hard work through the last four years. But there is no point to making memories if we don't also take time to stop and cherish them.
Success is defined in a myriad of different ways, and there is no doubt that the Class of 2007 will achieve it. Just remember - don't get there too fast. There's a lot to do in the meantime, a lot to see before we get where we're going. Maybe Bill Watterson, creator of the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes," said it best: "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."
Of course you should (and will) do great things. Of course you should (and will) excel and achieve. As you become what we reverentially refer to as a "real person," try not to forget what has gone on here - the snowball fights, the movie nights and the long conversations that went on well into the morning - and just make sure you leave time for all that nothing that you have to do.
Congratulations, and feel free to visit.
