What a gift it was to be able to be with you again this special summer in your lives—Watching you develop powerful, true voices has been a particular thrill to me. You know how I feel about writing—it is not simply a skill you need—it is your birthright—to discover your voice, the power, the uniqueness of your own special way of expressing the truth is one of the most important efforts of your lives. You may not fully realize it today—but I’m confident you will eventually come to know how critical it is. You will all need to become lifelong learners—if that makes you tired—I’m sorry. The world is changing fast and you’ll need to change along with it if you want your dreams to be more than just daydreams. But I know you can do it—you know you can do it.
One last lesson I hope you’ve learned from me is that the quality of your academic work represents you and the young lady you will become. If you aren’t satisfied with it—keep on working. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Your work is not your teacher’s work—it is not about who your parents are—or the school you attend—or even the friends you have. It is a manifestation of your imagination, your creativity, your gifts, and your skills. Like it or not, you own it! How much are you willing to invest in yourselves? When you cease needing deadlines, assignments, coaxing, reminders, and threats, when you read difficult material on your own for yourself, record your thoughts and ideas without expectation of praise or reward, you will finally discover the joy of owning your mind and the fruits of its labor.
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