a patriot's weapon of choice

Now if only I had a job....

On May 12, 2006, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Okay, "graduated". I still have to finish this 3-hour online course, but I'll be done by July.

I must say, delivering that commencement speech was the most terrifying moment of my life. I don't mind talking in front of large crowds -- in fact, I absolutely adore it -- but I was so convinced that something big was going to happen. It's one thing to get booed and protested against when you're a real politician, but being booed at my own graduation is completely different.

Luckily for me, as I somehow found the courage to walk to the microphone and say my name, the audience actually cheered. Between my relief and the odd scene of people actually standing up and waving their arms in celebration, I accidently laughed, which was picked up by the microphone. Right before I began speaking, someone near the front row muttered, "Douchebag". If you watch the video, you can actually see me glance over to them quickly. I mean really, how old are we?

I delivered my speech, and while no one made any loud comments, there were some reactions from a group of girls in the business section that I could see out of the corner of my eye. Thank goodness I learned long ago (back during the elections, specifically) to look past a group of people when speaking to them. I watched my speech later on television, and I was a little disappointed with it. I think you can hear the fear in my voice. People keep telling me that no one noticed, and that I only notice because I've heard myself speak many times, but I wish I had been on top of it. Still, I've gotten a lot of praise for it, and it looks quite nice on my resume. Come on, how many people get to speak at their college graduation?

I realized later, as the words I recited actually sunk in my way home, that I sincerely meant everything I said. I've never been able to fully understand the person with no drive, with no ambition. How can you not look out at the world and just want to spend your life trying to make it better? As corny as it sounds, at least once a day I ponder how I am making the most out of my time here. If we do only live once, why are we not trying to make the most of our lives? Why are we not experiencing everything? I've heard some people give this reasoning for why they experiment with drugs, but for me, that is why I don't waste my time with drugs. I want to make an impact on the world, not waste my life stoned in front of the television.

I have a lot of seemingly impossible dreams and goals, but regardless of what happens, there is one thing I would really like to accomplish: I would like the chance to speak to adolescent girls on my experiences as a teen. My recent interest and study of women's issues has really shed some light on the way society is raising our girls. I'm not sure they would all listen, but I think if I had the chance, I could really touch some of their lives.

And with that, I leave you with a transcript of my commencement speech to the Class of 2006. It was my first commencement address, but it won't be my last. Mark my words.

Melissa Westmoreland's Address to the UNCG Class of 2006

Good morning, my name is Melissa Westmoreland, and I bring greetings from the Class of 2006.

Graduation is always a bittersweet event. I have dreaded it each year, because I know it means I have to say goodbye to all the friends I've made in the classes ahead of my own. On the other hand, I've always been so happy for them, because I know graduation signals the culmination of many years of hard work. That's sort of where I'm at right now. I love UNCG, and I can't even imagine leaving it, but then again, I'm excited about what the future may hold.

I did have a bit of trouble writing this speech, because I'm in the same boat you all are. I have no experienced words of wisdom to give you, no advice on how to survive the "real world". In fact, I'm probably just as nervous about it as all of you. But I think the best part of graduation is not knowing what lies ahead of you

So I have decided that, since I can't really give you any advice on how to land your dream job, I would leave you with something more along the lines of a plea: Please, whatever you do, do something GREAT.

I can't tell you how many times over the past few years someone has told me that it's so nice to see a young person who is so involved. The sad truth is, a lot of people have given up on our generation. And really, who can blame them? We are the MTV generation. We've grown up with video games to entertain us, we can get pretty much anything we want on the Internet, and text-messaging and AIM have replaced any need for real conversation. The stereotype of a typical college student has gone from that of a passionate political protestor to a couch potato who will go to great lengths to keep from having to move one inch. Our generation is defined by convenience, laziness, and apathy.

Now, I don't plan to abide by that definition, and I trust that none of you do either. This is our chance to prove them all wrong, to prove that we ARE motivated, that we CAN accomplish great things. This is our chance to make a difference in the world. I hate cliches, but I believe with all my heart that we can do anything we put our minds to.

We, my fellow UNCG graduates, are the future. Society might have lowered its standards for our generation, but I have not. I want to see our graduates excelling in every field, curing cancer, solving world hunger, bringing peace to the Middle East! You might think I'm exaggerating, but that's really just how much I believe in the power of us. I want to see a UNCG graduate in the White House.

I know we each have our own personal dreams and goals, and I know a lot of us only reveal them when we're around our closest friends. And I understand that, seeing as how dreams can sometimes be very personal things. But please don't let them die. This is it. Your chance. We are in the best years of our lives. We are living in an amazing time. We are graduating from an excellent school. Use it all to your advantage.

Last, but certainly not least, never forget where you came from. Your dreams may pull you all over the globe, but never let UNCG slip from your mind. If you happen to be in the area one day, take some time to stop by. I can't tell you how many alumni I've talked to who told me that they wished they hadn't waited so long to come back for a visit. You guys know how much construction goes on around here. If you go longer than five years without a visit, you won't be able to recognize the place. But don't you worry, parking will STILL be horrid.

UNCG has given me some of the greatest memories of my life. I feel like it is my home, and all of you my brothers and sisters. I hope every one of you can say the same. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with me, and may you all have the best of luck in pursuing your dreams. Thank you.

posted by Melissa @ 1:44 AM