2009 yearbook assembly speech

Advice given to this years graduating seniors at the annual yearbook assembly speech. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, just kidding, last year at this time I thought to myself, that was the last speech I would have to give for a while at a yearbook assembly then I became a foster advisor and took on the class of 2009 for their senior year. I was skeptical at first but it didnt take long for this class to win me over they are so much fun and a fantastic class to work with. From spending late nights here with hallway decorating and powder puff cheerleading to the amazing AIDA, to our trip to Florida, this year has been one that I will not soon forget. Now having to do this speech 3 out of the last 4 years leaves me at a bit of a loss for what to say and what advice to give to this years seniors. I have done funny yet practical advice such as not mixing anything with bleach, I have done heart felt advice such as thanking your parents and teachers for this years advice I am going to encourage you to take chances. I think that everybody should approach life like a turtle while its nice and safe with in the confines of your comfort zone, like the turtle, to move anywhere you have to stick your neck out. There are going to be times in your life when youre going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges in your life and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them and I encourage you to do so. I am reminded of the story of the Great Blondin. The Great Blondin was the man who invented the high wire act. In 1859 he announced to the world that he was going to walk a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Five thousand people gathered to watch. Halfway across, Blondin suddenly stopped, did a back flip, landed squarely on the rope then continued safely to the other side. During that year, he crossed the Falls again and again -- once blindfolded, once carrying a stove, once in chains, and once on a bicycle. Just as he was about to begin yet another crossing, this time pushing a wheelbarrow, he turned to the crowd and shouted "who believes that I can cross pushing this wheelbarrow." Every hand in the crowd went up. Blondin pointed at one man. "Do you believe that I can do it?" he asked. "Yes, I believe you can," said the man. "Are you certain?" said Blondin "Yes," said the man. "Absolutely certain? "Yes, Absolutely certain." "Thank you" said Blondin, "then sir, get into the wheelbarrow." Like that man in the crowd, you know a lot of things. But also like that man, there will be times in your life when how much you know wont matter as much as how scary the situation is -- there is going to come a time in your life when in order to succeed you will have to trust in yourself or in others and when that time comes I hope you will swallow your fear and get into the wheelbarrow. Dave Matthews said The future is no place to place your better days so live for today, take chances and be smart. Whether youre going to college, serving in the military, or joining the work force, good luck in everything you do. "