i read this on a blog I frequent...

I thought this was great stuff from Tom Brokaw... taken from YSmarko.com..thanks.

addressing the graduating class of emory university, tom brokaw said:

"You have been hearing all of your life that this occasion is a big step into what is called the real world. What, you may ask, is that real world all about? What is this new life? Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2005 at Emory, real life is not college; real life is not high school. Here is a secret that no one has told you: Real life is junior high."

"The world that you’re about to enter is filled with junior high adolescent pettiness, pubescent rivalries, the insecurities of 13-year-olds, and the false bravado of 14-year-olds. 40 years from now, I guarantee it: You will still make a silly mistake every day. You will have temper tantrums and you’re feelings will be hurt for some trivial sleight. You’ll say something dumb at the wrong time. And you will wonder at least once a week, “Will I ever grow up?” You can change that. In your pursuit of your passions, always be young. In your relationship with others, always be grown-up. Set a standard, and stay faithful to it."


As I reflected on this statement. I realized just how much truth was in all of that. I can look back on the last 20 years and realize that my life has been full of Junior High moments. Most of those moments have been my fault. If you ask my wife, she can tell you I am far from being grown up. I know one day that I will be so old that I can't pull it off any more. My hope is that I can act young, enjoy life like I am young, but find that I am grown up in my relationships. I don't have time for any more of those "Junior High" moments. Junior High was the worst 2 years of my life...lol