Dearly Beloved Graduate,
Just a few notes to add to
the traditional graduation “card” that pretends it knows you personally. What gave me this idea to add-on and then
blog this was the silhouette of Mouse Ears on a card that quoted Walt Disney.
Perhaps Disney is an
important man to consider as you plan for your future career, in that, for a
guy that started drawing mice, he ended up successful beyond his wildest
dreams. Can you imagine Disney’s parents
when he was planning his future: “Walt, get down here and work on your college
applications! You’re not going to make a
living sitting around drawing mice!”
Did Walt have insight into the
soul of humanity? He had such an idealistic view of young men and women: He portrayed all his young women as potential-princesses,
and all his young men as handsome, daring adventurous. He was not afraid to show us how an ugly
person could be evil (pick a villain) or an exotic person could be wicked (Cruella
D’ville). He taught at least two
generations of children to believe they could fly on a carpet or speed on a
horse or that teapots and kettles could sing, dance, have compassion. Perhaps he was showing us a lot about a life
that he hoped for during wartime, at least a hope his own children could enjoy,
and, by extension, also those children who met his cartoons. I had heard once that he was an unhappy
man. I found that ironic in that his
whole enterprise made so many people at least momentarily optimistic and happier. My generation “lived” for Sunday night’s “Wonderful
World of Disney” on television … what movie would it be this week?! Perhaps he epitomized the line from the prayer
of St. Francis that said: “It is in giving
that we receive…” So, he gave happiness.
I just sped-read through his extensive
wikipedia biography. This year he
would be 100 years old if he was alive.
He died of lung cancer in his 60’s… thanks to cigarettes without filters
… duly noted. But more importantly his
efforts in cartooning, media, and the manufacturing of happiness through them
was very extensive. He showed us the
value of hard work and persistence in his chosen field. He was a philanthropist to faith-based (Jewish)
charities. One of his workers said of
him: “His treatment of people – and by this I mean all people – can only be
called exemplary.” Would that someone
could say that of you and I when we finish the race of our life!
Our culture puts a lot of
pressure on young people to know what they want to be “when they grow up.” I think perhaps our efforts and
considerations might be better applied to study how we can make this world a
safer, healthier, holier, happier, and kinder place. What is the unique talent or passion that you
can bring forth – in putting your best effort to be your best self forward, you
will find meaning. It will not come
without struggle, for no good thing ever does.
You may have days you want to just plain not get out of bed. But you
should pick yourself up, talk positive things in your own head, and move
forward to make the most of each day.
Looking forward, life looks long indeed.
You can’t imagine yourself being old and having survived some of the
things that you will inevitably encounter.
BUT, from the mid-point of life you will realize how swiftly Time
flew.
Develop a sense of integrity
and spirituality, for they will be strong companions on your path. Understand that not all people come to the
table with the same sense of responsibility, talents, or values that you hold
dear. Don’t resent them for it – just be
the Light. That’s all, just be the
Light.
Sincerely, Chris Arabik, M.A.
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