What Do You Want to BE?

 It is graduation time around this grand country and as I had the opportunity once again to address one of our high school graduating classes, I would like to share an expanded version of my message to this year's graduates. 

As a child, I feel certain that the majority of you were asked countless times, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" To which many of you replied a doctor, a lawyer, a veterinarian, or possibly even a teacher. Today, you will go forward in that pursuit of the goals and dreams you have set for yourself. Yet, for me that question isn't really about finding a job or career that will allow you to make more money, or enable you to buy more things than your neighbor, instead it is all about you finding your calling, your purpose in life. To that, I want to inspire you to BE the best you, that you can BE.

BE a lifetime learner. You are graduating high school, turning the page, not closing the book. Pursue knowledge and never lose the desire to grow and learn. Regardless of your chosen career, be the best and always strive to be better. Seek the lesson and learn from your mistakes and those instances some would label as failures. If you do that you will succeed in life. 

BE a change agent. Mahatma Gandhi challenged each of us with these words, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In your pursuit of a career that will sustain and provide for you and your future family, search for your calling that will allow you to use your strengths and talents to make this world a better place to live for your children's children. Never accept the status quo as fact. Change occurs when you see a problem and you believe you have an answer and then you take the necessary steps to change the status quo. This world has problems, choose one. 

BE strong and resilient. In your lives you have already endured and overcome a global pandemic that rocked the world and a more regional catastrophic weather event unlike anything the majority of us in this stadium have ever witnessed. Whether you realize it yet or not, you have developed the grit and perseverance to overcome any adversity you will encounter in life. Use that character trait in all of your endeavors. Never quit, and never give up, and always do your best!

Most importantly, above all else, BE-lieve. Develop a faith that surpasses explanation and hold tight to hope because hope will not and does not disappoint. (Romans 5:3-5). Live out your faith each day, when things get tough as they most certainly will at some point, remember that you are not walking this road alone. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

Congratulations to each of you on reaching this milestone in your life, I can't wait to see what you do next!

Coach Carter