Jen Addresses Her Alma Mater - Carterville High School!
Carterville High School
Commencement Address
May 20, 2005
Hello to the class of 2005; and also parents, families and teachers and who have inspired these graduates lives.
Mr. Smith, thank you for inviting home to be your commencement speaker.
As a 1992 graduate, I guess I am here to witness to you about the “olden days.” I can tell you about student life at CHS before personal computers, the internet or cell phones. Back when having open campus for lunch meant your choice of the deli counter at Reynold’s Market or DQ Brazier.
Yes- I know it is impossible to believe. Life before McDonalds. Life before Subway. Life even before Hardees!!
You see I am keenly aware of these modern advances in Carterville. For when I return home I scout out all of the changes like a hawk. Driving down Division I’ll be like- they painted that house green! There didn’t used to be a bank there!
Change is inevitable. I cannot expect my home town not to change just because I remember it just so. I greet you here today on a day when change is in the air.
I am quite honored- and more than a little surprised to be here. In my imagination the administration were sitting around brainstorming the names of graduates- and one person shared a story they heard about a girl who left CHS 13 years ago…. And had not finished school yet!! At first no one believed it- but Mr. Smith tracked me down and here I am.
Thirteen years- they have really gone fast. My twenties were spent experiencing time in 4 year increments- like a grocery list- 4 years of college (check), med school (check), residency (check), and now fellowship. The path to becoming doctor, the path to becoming a real grown up, and hopefully the path to actually having a real job.
Over the years I experienced a variety of educational experiences, lived in several climates and at each stage have peen profoundly influenced by mentors, friends, and foes.
Aha, yes I did say friends and foes. Why is it when can remember the good times- but also with clarity recall the painful times too? This is how it was for me when preparing this speech.
Standing in this gym I- like yesterday remember sitting on the bench as a sophomore volleyball player. We were up against Herrin and the score of the first game was close. The blood drained from my body when a starting setter fell after a close play at the net. Her ankle was sprained- and I was in the game.
My first time to play in a Varsity match. It was a rocky start. My team was unsure of the change in the line-up, and I was quite nervous- but excited. Then things began to click. We began to make plays- we were on fire. We beat the girls from Herrin- triumphantly.
But as the cheers from that game ring in my ears memories of a less than victorious day come back. One Saturday in October of my Senior year you may have found me crouched in the corner of the Thompsonville High School gym with tears in my eyes. You see, I made it a personal goal to be chosen as part of the “all-star” all Thompsonville Tournament team. I played my heart out. One game we won 15-0 where I served 15 straight points. Just before we were to play the championship game, they announced the all tournament team. I was not included.
I can still remember my dad that day- rescuing me from my bitter retreat. He said, “I don’t understand why you are crying. You shouldn’t be sad, you should be mad! Get out there and show them how good you can play!” Thank you dad for kicking my butt back into the game that day.
Which memory is larger in my mind? To be honest it probably depends on my frame of mind. It is fun to remember the victory against Herrin- and on one rare occasion my dad pulled out a video tape to prove to my husband that it actually happened.
But to tell you the truth, I learned the most from my disappointments, the losses and painful moments. It is those memories that I draw upon when finding the inspiration to complete a tough assignment, comfort a dying patient or find my way when the path is not clear.
Today you graduate from High School. Today is no day different than any other- except for the fact that after today it will be all over. The experience will be behind you. For one moment pause and allow your minds to reminisce.
What will you member? Your closest friends? Growing up together? Special athletic events, parties, trips? Hopefully there won’t be, but there may be- sad memories there too- losses, lessons learned. All of these together equal the full experience. And because of the full experience you are able to sit here with a sense of accomplishment- but also a sense of finality and anticipation of what is yet to come.
My point is this- every stage of life has inherent worth. Whether it is high school, college, parenthood- or for the proud parents in the audience- perhaps an empty nest. Each experience beholds joy, pain and transforming influence- a stimulus for personal growth- and thank goodness an opportunity to re-create ourselves.
It is a wonder that I was chosen to speak today. Probably not thought to be a likely candidate on my graduation day. I was not a star in high school. Not the best student, best athlete or even liked by many. For some of you high school has been the best time of your life. Others will agree with me- High School was hard. For some academically, for others socially. One thing for sure- a truth we all share- everyone will have their day of triumph & their days of- we’ll lets just say days that can’t be over fast enough.
How we spend our energy has less to do with the outcome of our efforts- and much more to do with how we allow our experience to lead us. Nothing worthwhile comes easy- and I believe Billy Bishop who said “at the edge of destiny we must test our strength.”
Today is a day for looking back- but also for looking forward. As each of you are poised to embrace the next to come, I will remind you of three things:
Courage, humility and steadfastness.
Tackle life with courage. Be bold at setting your goals- there is truly nothing you cannot accomplish- now I did not say accomplish easily.
For courage has many facets. Of course there is the bold and brave variety- but also a more sensible kind. Have courage to be true to your self- stand alone when of different mind than the crowd.
You will also be faced with what I like to call brutal courage- the type that forces you out of bed when you would rather sleep in, allows you to face a challenge when you failed the last time. Often it is the most simple things in life that take the most courage---so be brave and remember to call your parents when you are away form home—even if you know they are going to lecture you on not studying enough, spending too much money or getting a speeding ticket!!
High School taught me humility. Running the 2 mile was my event in track. I must use the term running loosely because every race I would get lapped by the leader- at least once. But every meet I would score points for my team- you see hardly ever were there more than 3 students entered in the race.
Nights on call at the hospital require long hours. As I adjusted to this routine as a medical student- it was not the knowledge from books I drew the most upon. I drew upon nights in high school, staying up late laying out the newspaper (cut and paste- the days before word processors). And I drew upon the double shifts I would work at the Cracker Barrel to save up money for college.
No task is too small to be an
accomplishment.
No external accolades can match the reward of honest hard work.
Steadfastness: Constant and unswerving effort.
This word comes to mind when I think of the folks in my hometown. I remember a community reaching into their own pockets to build a new fire station. A town rallying behind a 1996 football team that brought home the state championship. Parents, teachers and neighbors- where often your teacher may be your neighbor too.
People make up Carterville, Illinois. Values of family and friendship make it a good place to live. Taken for granted as a youth in this community, as a graduate of Carterville High School the legacy of steadfastness will follow you. There really is no other place that I have found with this quality- and you will all be fortunate to have this in your hearts as you remember your roots and think of home.
Excellent examples of steadfastness have assisted your arrival to this seat today. Parents, coaches, teachers. I would especially like to thank a few teachers of mine who are retiring this year.
Mr. Fields and Mrs. Pillatch
who dedicated their careers to educating the next generation.
Mr. Kemp who was my biology teacher, and who was instrumental in my interest in
science and pursuit of medicine.
Mr. Emory who faithfully coached our JV basketball team.
Mrs. Clark who taught me freshman English, but who also has two children with
whom my brother and I grew up
And Mrs. Hunter- who I have a suspicion is partly responsible for my being here
today- and also the one to this day I remember when I escape into poetry and
literature.
C H S
Courage Humility Steadfastness
Carterville High School
Class of 2005:
Congratulations on you
accomplishment.
Good luck in your future endeavors
May you experience much and always remember:
The teachers that inspired you
Families that nurtured you
And the community we all call home.
Thank you.
Jennifer Peura, MD