By Kristin Percy

It is a long-standing tradition for the valedictorian to send off his or her class with profound, possibly life-changing words of wisdom. Valedictorians are perceived as some kind of hybrid between Einstein and Dr. Phil, spouting wisdom while searching for the unified theory.

Tonight, that myth is about to be busted.

I will be honest: I can’t think of anyone else who is less fit to give advice than I am. I have lost everything I own about twice. I managed to lock myself in a hallway in Trojan Hall. I almost forgot to pick up my cap and gown last Friday. And yes, I have been cornered by a cockroach. I’m beginning to suspect that the real valedictorian is hog-tied in a closet somewhere.

However, searching the recesses of my addled brain, I did find one piece of advice that I could use: Never stop pushing forward. Tonight is a night of great celebration; we have all successfully completed high school. Even so, this is not the time to mentally check out.

Next year, we will all be moving on to something new and we will have to prove ourselves all over again. We can’t live off of past successes. If I were to go to one of my professors next year and say, “Hi, I’m Kristin. I was valedictorian of my senior class,” I’m pretty sure he’d say, “That’s very nice. Now go sit down and let me know when you have something to contribute to the class.”

Because we have worked toward this night for so long, this may feel like the end. We have finally climbed to the top of the hill, but I am happy to say that we are only at the base of a mountain. Happy because that means there are more battles to be won, more experiences to be had, and more people to be met.

Life is not some kind river that we just float gently down. Life is a constant cycle of beginnings and endings, deaths and rebirths. Those who push forward and demand the best of life succeed, while those who are content to drift end up sitting by the wayside as we cruise past.

Therefore, I challenge you, Class of 2008, as I have often challenged myself: Leave the past behind and keep your eyes on the next challenge, the next chance for triumph. Thank you.