Alexander

My Godson, Alexander Carr, graduated from Hight School last week. He gave the speech at his commencement ceremony and did a great job. Congratulations Alexander.

Below is his speech:
June 4, 2010
Commencement SpeechAcademy for Science and Agriculture (AFSA) -
Alexander Carr
SLOW DOWN -- GO SLOW Breathe slowing - Deep Breaths
TOP SECRET FIXED FINNAL
Good evening, to all the parents, teachers, faculty and my fellow students assembled this evening to farewell the Class of 2010.Thank you for this great honor in addressing you on one of the most important, memorable days in our lives.We are the next generation of explorers, scientists, business people, computer programmers, contractors, lawyers, accountants, researchers, engineers, managers, artists, reporters, doctors, teachers and parents.
Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. We move from having little responsibility to having total responsibility for our actions. We are what we make of the future.
In the past 2 to 4 years, while we have been completing our High School education, we have witnessed exponential change in our society. Just the velocity of change we are experiencing is truly amazing.
• We have started paying for music, rather than passing it around for free• We get our movies over the internet, not VHS tapes• Skype video and voice calling are free – we don’t need to take out a loan to call another country• We watch amazing stories in 3D – without stupid looking glasses• The worst economic recession in 70 years, thanks to Wall Street greed• The top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010, did not exist in 2004• The election of Barack Obama, proving our society is more integrated than many thought• The country’s debt is now in excess of 13 trillion dollars – HELLO! TRILLION not BILLION people!• iPads, iPods, iPhone, anything Apple is selling like hot cakes• YouTube has now been watched for 5 years – what did we do with all that spare time? Every minute, 24 hours of video content is uploaded to their servers• Facebook has been around for 5 years – how much personal information do I really want out on the World Wide Web? If Facebook was a country it would be the third largest in the world.• Google started out of a garage and now is an internet power house. With 35 billion searches on Google every month. Back in ‘06 that number was only 2.7 billion • The number of text messages sent and received every day, exceeds the total population of the planet.• It is estimated that a weeks’ worth of the New York Times contains more information than a person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18th century. • We used to get our oil from Gas stations, now we get it from Gulf Coast beaches. Even scarier, every 5 million gallons of oil pouring into the Gulf, accounts for only 2 minutes of oil use in Texas alone. In spite of the condition that our parents are leaving the world in: • A severe recession with 10+ % unemployment• Collapsing housing prices, making ¼ of all houses under water• Global warming • Government debt and spending expanding at unprecedented rates• Two global wars• A crumbling, aging infrastructure with no provision for maintenanceWe can and will save our generation. We have to – we don’t have a choice.
While our grandparents sacrificed during the 1940’s, the Baby Boomers have lived like there was no tomorrow – but it is OUR tomorrow, and we will fix it.It is foolish to presume that my generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It will be evident that my peers and I care about this planet. Recycling is not a fad, “off the grid” is not a weird possibility, and electric cars are a reality. No longer can it be said that environmental destruction will be the norm.
In the future I will be living in a country of my own making.
Experts tell me this is a quick fix society, where instant gratification is not fast enough. This will not be true in my era.
I have my priorities straight because my employer will know that they are not the most important thing in my life. So in 30 years I will tell my children "money will make me happy" is a lie, and that "happiness comes from within".
I realize this may be a shock but we can change the world and I refuse to believe that I am part of a “lost generation”.
The world is our oyster, while the Baby Boomers have created a lot of pollution, we will overcome. We have youth, vitality and science on our side.
It would not be a Commencement Address, if I did not acknowledge all the teachers who have been a source of knowledge, experience and inspiration for all of us. They have been there for the challenges and for the successes. They have shown patience and dedication in their choice of career. I feel that they have fully prepared all of us to confront the future with confidence.
Finally, the last shout out is to my mother. My mother has been my mentor, friend and coach. She has supported me throughout my education. I am what I am today, as a direct result of her input and encouragement. I love you mom, thank you.
Let us go forth and show past generations what WE are made of, and be the best we can be.
God Bless America