Tag Archives: Generosity

An Inspirational Speech to Graduating Students

 

Snapshots of the Future

My alma mater called and requested that I give an inspirational speech during the graduation rites of its Grade School Department.

Odd.

A week before, I made a self-assessment and determined I wanted more training / experience in public speaking.  Hmmm…  What can I say?  The universe will conspire to get you what you want, when you want it.  That is, immediately, or almost immediately.

Let me share with you the text of my speech.

Beloved director, principal and members of the faculty, proud parents, and above all, the graduates.  My congratulations.

I imagine that you are excited at graduating, a little scared of going to highschool, sad about saying goodbye to friends and teachers, and excited about the summer.  I also felt the same way when I was 12.

Looking at your faces, at this school, at the teachers, I realize that everything has changed.  And nothing has changed.

But let me tell you, tomorrow will be the beginning of one of the most wonderful, memorable, exciting part of your lives.

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Beginning Philanthropy

 

A Chance to Shape the Future

Going to orphanages, or the home for the aged, or seeking out the poor and the downtrodden – to reach out, to help – it is not something one thinks about on a day to day basis.

But they – the abandoned, the old and forgotten, the poor, the downtrodden – their existence is a day to day reality.

But many people do not care – either because they do not have the time and have their own worries, or they have nothing to give.  It is the government’s job, after all, or those with millions to spare.

For a long time, I had those sentiments.

I used to think that as long as I minded my own business, do not take advantage of people, take really good care of my family (charity begins at home), and smile (well, I think this is important), then I am off the hook of what they call “social responsibility”.

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What Promises To Be An Extraordinary Christmas

Christmas in the Air

Christmas in the Air

In the lobby of our office stands the most beautiful Christmas tree.

It is majestic, tall, towering.  The green leaves are lost in the reds and golds and in the crystals and the globes and red-golden ribbons and a hundreds, maybe thousands, of twinkling lights.  I could almost feel Christmas-y at the sight of this tree, my ears peaking at the sound of the soft strains of – aaahh, Christmas music. At the crown are a thousand shimmering cascades of red stars beckoning all to come and see.

A seemingly farcical treat to this Christmas that promises to be different from all the rest.

A different Christmas.

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