commencement speech
you are a diverse collection of talents, of passions, of skills. You want to talk about legacy, your class is home to the legendary 50–3 basketball team, whose banner will hang in the rafters of Gresham. A team I had the pleasure to coach. The one’s who started a South Asian Affinity Group and introduced the community to Cricket on the Roof. You started a Sports Photography Club, which I hope gained some of y’all that Instagram clout you young ones chase so much. A Combo Band and Jazz Ensemble that rocked out the entire school community. A musical production, the likes of which, the community has never seen before. So many accolades, so many accomplishments, so many things to be proud of. But the underlying theme of it is this: it’s your unwavering ability to share your passions. To have the confidence to go out there and be yourselves. To put “Cathedral” on your chest and represent us with pride. To represent yourselves with pride. And for letting me be there and be a part of all that, to trust me to guide you, to allow me to be one of your role models — your words, not mine — I am better for having been witness to all you have done for this community. We are all better for you having shared those passions. Unconsciously, it gives those you leave behind the permission to share theirs.
As your P.E. teacher, I’ve had the honor to share the biggest of stages with you. Championship wins, Bill Withers Covers, Brooklyn Newsie. To the small stuff, like heart-to-hearts after a bad game or a loss, singing to slow jams in Advisory, chopping up hundreds and hundreds of zucchini at Glide Memorial Church. I’ve had the unique opportunity to coach you, sing with you, serve with you, and again, I just want to thank you all for letting me be there to share in your success and comfort you through the losses. Now it wouldn’t be an Upper School P.E. huddle without some things you can take away. Since you’re graduating, I’ll give these to you for free. First of which is this: Lead with humility. You’ve probably heard me say this, but allow others to speak about you. You should be the last one to give yourself praise. Allow yourself the grace and confidence to internalize how great you are. You know how awesome you are — I just spent the last 5 minutes singing your praises. Let your actions speak, and let others talk. Humility also allows you the space to improve. Greatness is never achieved. It’s a goal line that stays moving. It’s that humility that will fuel that chase. The second takeaway is this: Be big. Take up space! Admittedly, I’m still trying to work on this one. Be yourself, unapologetically. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Your say
38 | cathedral school for boys
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