Tag Archives: graduation

You Are Not Special

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On June 1, a high school English teacher in Wellesley, Massachusetts, told the graduating seniors in his commencement speech the unthinkable. Nobody could have guessed what he said that day. It sparked a controversial wildfire across the nation, as some were aghast while others applauded. What he said was: “You are not special”. David McCullough Jr. told the students that they weren’t special, that there were a plethora of people on par with them regarding their skill sets, grades, and other aspects. He stated that in a country of 36 million people, there are thousands just like you. Great tasks were lessened and there are 7,000 people just like you were some facts also stated. In his speech, he touched upon many things referring to how we were being coddled by our parents and told we were special, how participation trophies cheapen worthy endeavors, and how we should get prepared for the real world. Whether you agree with what he said or not, it was a very controversial and influential speech.

Personally, I agree with him. There are thousands of other people just like us. In the real world, you’ll meet dozens of other people on par with you, and some even better. Some people think it is an atrociously pessimistic way to end your high school career, yet  believe it was just setting them up for what it would be like as they left. Once you’re an adult, suddenly trying your best isn’t good enough. People more capable than you will fill your position and it will be gone. The world doesn’t revolve around you. But I also think that people are special. They’re special to their parents, friends, sibling, and family. They’re special to their loved ones and the people who really matter in life. So even though it might be a rude awakening for some people, it enlightens people on the fact that they aren’t the only one going out into the world and that things aren’t handed out to you. It reminds you that even though you might not be special to your boss at Target, or wherever, you are special to the people who matter.

~Dan Fisher

Arrested for Cheering?

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This past week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina there was an average high school graduation. Before the ceremony began the principle strictly insisted that there will be no cheering after each names is individually called and security is in the crowd. One mother didn’t understand why this was so important. So when her daughter’s name was announced, she got up and just called out,  ‘Yay, my baby made it!’. After sitting a police officer came up and put handcuffs around her wrists and took her away.

Many are asking whether these police overreacted or not. I don’t understand why it would matter if she cheered. Yes, we all know graduations are very long, especially when there is cheering after each name, but these kids have worked so hard for 12 years and they can’t even be applauded for it? Her own daughter said to reporters that now she would remember her graduation as the day her mom got arrested. She ended up being fined about $300. All just for cheering out of place. This is ridiculous. This parent should have been able to show her admiration of her daughter and how proud she is for her.

~Karalyn Wright