Commencement
As I drove drove down San Diego Freeway into L.A. this week, I was delighted by the sight of those purple clouds all over the city. It’s that time of year again when my favorite jacarandas are in full bloom. After living in this area for over 40 years, jacarandas have become synonymous with the graduation season for me, much like cherry blossoms in Japan where the school season starts in April and ends in March. Both are reminders of the transformative power of education and new beginnings.
Looking back on my first experience attending a graduation ceremony in the United States, I wondered why graduation was called “commencement.” When it dawned on me that graduation signifies the completion of a preparatory period and the start of something new, I really appreciated the concept. It marks the beginning of a whole new life journey that is both exhilarating and daunting. Although I am not currently in the process of graduating, the awe I felt upon completing my college education still resonates within me.
Recently, a friend in my Asian women’s Sangha shared a link to Michelle Yeoh’s commencement speech at Harvard Law School. Although she herself admitted to being unsure why she was chosen to speak at a law school commencement ceremony, I was curious to hear what she had to say to a graduating class from a law school. Surprisingly, her message resonated deeply with me, and I believe it holds relevance for graduates in today’s world. She shared three valuable tips for navigating life: staying loose, knowing our limits both internally and externally, and finding our people.
Number one as she gestured by pointing a finger up: “Stay loose,” urges us to embrace the unpredictability of life. We never know what circumstances may arise and change the course of our lives in an instant. By remaining flexible and adaptable, we cultivate nimbleness in the face of challenges and uncertainties. This advice becomes even more pertinent in a world that seems to be in constant turmoil. Staying loose allows us to explore different paths, experiment with various possibilities, and uncover our true potential. I love that!
Number two. Knowing our limits, both internally and externally. It involves recognizing our strengths, weaknesses, passions, and areas for growth. Understanding our own capabilities allows us to set realistic goals and make informed decisions about our future. At the same time,, knowing the external limits means to understanding the societal, cultural, and systemic boundaries that may impact our actions. Being mindful of these external factors, we can adjust our aspirations and chart a course that aligns with our values and capabilities. Yes!
Michelle’s tip number three is to find our people. Building a supportive network of individuals who believe in us, especially during times when we doubt ourselves, is so crucial. It fosters a sense of belonging and propels us forward on our journey. They celebrate our successes and offer a helping hand during difficult times.
I am so grateful that I find myself surrounded by those who inspire, uplift and nourish me. And I’m grateful for the jacarandas that remind me of the new beginnings every year.