A letter to the 2009 graduates from my high school in Savannah, Georgia; Savannah Country Day School.
1st June 2009
Dear SCDS Graduates,
To be honored as this year’s distinguished alumnus gives me great joy. I smile in thinking that one just never knows who might succeed. My classmates from 1973 will probably agree, that being the Captain of the football team certainly did not give hints to a career as an artist. In order that I pursue just that, I had to grasp a boyhood dream and trust my nature.
I am not with you at your graduation today, because I am with my daughter driving to New Mexico. The timing is unfortunate and I apologize; yet I am thrilled to be spending overdue quality time with her. Just imagine three days with your father giving advice!
Please though indulge me a few minutes. Today is the only day that you are required to listen, as we your elders, try our best to share advice that is based on years of mistakes; all in a loving attempt to help you avoid the same. With that in mind, I felt it appropriate to organize my thoughts, using the Principles of Design as a guide. I wish for you all, much success and luck in your future choices. Perhaps, my Principles to Design the Future will help.
All my best to the class of 2009,
Contrast
be tolerant of others and their differences
Balance
time spent- at work, at play, with family and friends-all are important
Rhythm
is your pulse and heartbeat – pursue your life now, there are no guarantees
Variety
keep an open mind and surround your self with people that introduce new ideas
Repetition
the route to success- be diligent and apply yourself to all task with integrity
Emphasis
establish goals for your future now and reassess them periodically- your subconscious will remind you as choices are contemplated and progress towards your goals will be made
Unity
is achieved when all principles are applied in an honest and thoughtful mix
Mystery
keep some for the challenge of life- you will never figure it all out- just go out there and try to make the world better for us all