In the long run: Congratulations to Anchorage’s 2018 graduates

Graduation time is here! For the 3,253 students graduating in these two weeks, the Anchorage School District is excited to send you off into a future of hopes, dreams, and achievements. Keep in mind your hopes and dreams are not only for yourselves, but for your families too. It is essential that you look beyond yourself into the faces of your parents, your friends, and others around you — those whom have invested much in you.

While reflecting on the future of the class of 2018, I found some interesting and familiar thoughts in the Alaska Natural History Association's book "Chugach National Forest: Legacy of Land, Sea, and Sky." Gifford Pinchot, widely considered the father of the Forest Service, was a proponent of the idea of the greatest good for the greatest number which had been put forth by English writer, Jeremy Bentham. This idea of public service and greater good is mirrored in public education and provides food for thought in the way we manage our private lives. Pinchot thought it important to add to this concept, "in the long run."

On your commencement or graduation day, you are beginning a lifetime of choices — choices which may involve deciding on how to achieve a greater good for a greater number in the long run. Personal choices such as where you will live, the work in which you will be involved, and with whom you will associate and build relationships, will all be a part of forming the picture of your life in the long run. Just as Pinchot felt that the great forests of Southcentral Alaska needed protection so they could benefit everyone in the long run, so should you consider how to manage your mind, will, and abilities in ways that are beneficial over time. That doesn't involve a withdrawal from life because of fear and anxiety, but of stepping out and using your life for the greater good for you, your family, your friends and all those who stand with you along your way.

Advice and words of wisdom will come at you quickly and often in the next few years. You will hear words like grit, inspiration, perseverance and bravery. These are characteristics that will help you build a future that will stand the tests of time, uncertainties of hardship, and attentions of victories. You will need to be brave and know how to develop an inner core of honesty and integrity. In Julian
Treasure's TED talk on how to speak so people listen, he explains that honesty is about being true in what you say and being straight and clear. While integrity involves being your word, doing what you say and being somebody people can trust. I encourage you, in the long run of your future, to be honest and
live with integrity.

As your superintendent, I am extremely proud of you as young adults in Anchorage schools. You have demonstrated a tenacity to not just learn, but to also learn what you can do with your knowledge. That will serve you best in a future yet unknown. When you are building that future, look to be involved with things that matter to you. Find out how you can contribute to build a better world for the greater good.

Your own personal greater good will come to you as you invest your time, your intellect and your well-being in working hard, respecting others and building a life of purpose.

You may remember your high school years as some of the most enjoyable times you will experience. You may stay in touch with teachers, a principal, and childhood friends. Keep your medals and blue ribbons. Reflect on those experiences. Take the best of what you have learned in school and build your
future. Be grateful to those whom support you, and beyond all, follow your dreams!

Congratulations, 2018 Anchorage School District graduates!

Deena Bishop is the superintendent of the Anchorage School District.

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