Set The World On Fire

My brother at his 8th grade graduation ceremony in Tucson, Arizona.  May 1982

It's graduation season.  My youngest nephew graduates 8th grade this week, my oldest nephew graduated high school this weekend, and my best friend's son graduated last week.

The photo above shows my brother at his 8th grade graduation ceremony here in Tucson, Arizona.  I did 8th grade in New York and don't remember having a graduation ceremony, I don't think we did that there.  But I guess it's a thing now.

Friday night we went to a special Honors Graduation ceremony for my oldest nephew. They have general graduation for the whole school this coming week, but the Friday night assembly recognized the achievements of the honors students.

My nephew is an AP Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, got a Seal of Excellence in Math, and received the Wildcat Excellence Award from the University of Arizona.  He's in the top ten percent of his class along with his beautiful brainiac girlfriend, who is the Class of 2017's Salutatorian, and many of his close friends.

I'm looking forward to watching my nephew navigate his future.  He's handsome, smart, kind, funny, and resolute.  He's planning to become an anesthesiologist and has already participated in some programs at a local hospital shadowing doctors during their work day. It's all very exciting.

Oh, to be young again.  Now I know what people mean when they say "If I could go back, I'd do things differently.  More of this, less of that...whatever."  These kids have so much opportunity these days and they have so many choices.  Really, the world is smaller.  It can be held in their hands.  I hope they explore it, embrace it, and set it ablaze.

Congratulations to all of you!

"Go forth and set the world on fire!" ~ St. Ignatius of Loyola



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Eff Your Beauty Standards
2015: This Steak Caused A Buzz
2014: There Was Gold Everywhere
2013: Two Telephone Poles And A Cloud
2012: I’ve Yet To Make Lemonade
2011: Alien Ribs Of The North
2010: White’s Bastard Cousin
2009: Jake
2008: I Might Have To Be Put In Restraints For Our Next Conversation
2007: People Who Are Happy To Help You Drown In Debt
2006: I, I, I
2005: Sorry, no post for this day.