Spring 2022
To the Class of 2022: To all of the families who helped this amazing group of seniors accomplish their dreams and goals, thank you.
In addition to our families who played an important role in the success of the class of 2022, they also had a dedicated and talented faculty who had a hand in their success. This group of talented educators is what makes Saint Edward’s School the great school it is today.
Education is meant to take us into a future that is uncertain. It is rather daunting if you think about it. The class of 2022 will retire around the year 2070. Nobody has a clue what the world will look like in 2070 when you retire. And yet, our job was to prepare you for a future that is this giant question mark.
So…..let’s take a look back at the year 2009 when this class started kindergarten. In 2009, there wasn’t anyone who could predict what 2022 would look like. When they started in kindergarten, if one needed a cab, you had to call for one or go outside and hail one. There were no Uber or Lyft apps because there was no Uber and Lyft. There was no Instagram when they were in kindergarten because it hadn’t been invented until they were in first grade. In 2009, Blockbuster was still in business. They didn’t believe people would flock to a streaming service to rent movies. Today, Blockbuster is out of business.
There were graduation speeches that speak to the importance of grit and perseverance. There were speeches that talk about the importance of not being afraid to fail, about following your dreams and passions. All of these are true and hopefully, the class of 2022 will take them to heart. My advice would also be to embrace change and not to be afraid of it. It is inevitable that things will change dramatically in your lifetime, as they have in every lifetime. Embracing change can open up many doors and opportunities. Change makes many things possible. It can allow you to meet new people, enjoy new experiences, and develop new skills and ideas. Change is necessary for improvement, growth, and development to take place.
Seeking and embracing change not only makes sure you keep up with the times and stay up to date, but also allows you to get ahead as well. Change allows for progress to happen. Jim Collins is quoted as saying “Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.”
Regardless of what changes happen over the course of your life, remember what lessons you learned in 2009 in kindergarten. Share with others, be kind and respectful, and help someone else when you can. When I think of the class of 2022, I am reminded of the most traditional Irish blessing.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again Class of 2022, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Congratulations, class of 2022 on a job well done!
Sincerely,