I do not think I will be speaking at commencement in the near future. However, one of the benefits of writing for The Lantern is that I get to have my own paper version of glory on the last edition of the year. As much as I would like to chalk it up to my journalistic talents and rabid fan club, I have no doubt my editor just randomly drew my name for the final publication.
Regardless, my fellow Buckeyes, summer is here. The Oval has had greater attendance than most classes this past week and the allergy season is taking a hiatus while many of you will be taking long-term vacations soon. Some of you will head back to the exotic locales of Youngstown and Dayton while others will spend the summer with the politicos in D.C. or even here in C-bus. Buckeyes will be flying overseas for Study Abroad programs and post-graduation Euro-trips, realizing the sticker shock of of any place on the Euro and that Amsterdam has gotten more tame.
Those of you finally graduating after four…five…ummm, perhaps six years will be (theoretically) starting careers, with real salaries, real benefits and will be happily off your parents' income tax return. Before, big purchases were your OSU football season tickets and of course your bargain text books. Now it might be the 62" plasma TV, a down payment on a condo or a new car. I believe former Attorney General Marc Dann has a pair of Suburbans he will not be using anytime soon; you might get a good deal at the auction.
Right now the future seems a bit jaded. Soaring fuel prices have banged up our bank accounts. We are all counting down to Election Day in November, and the economic recession will be with us for a while.
However, there are many things to be excited about. Your OSU degree carries far more prestige these days for a variety of reasons. I know, you can't eat prestige. Hopefully though, you have taken advantage of your time at OSU to prepare yourself for the "global world." Many of you will end up making millions of dollars and might even have a building named after you on campus (do not worry, the OSU Alumni Association will find you). Others will have an enjoyable life doing something they are excited about, such as teaching, writing or researching.
Pursue your passions and interests. Take some reasonable risks and explore the world. Travel. Do something completely different for a year, or two, or three. Realize you can make a positive impact whether in the school system of Columbus or in the country of Colombia. Many of the presidential candidates have discussed the importance of service. Serve in your community, wherever that might be. Remember the "good old days." Be generous. Be humble. Be happy. And if all of this just seems too overwhelming or idealistic, there is always graduate school to help you sort out your life!
Seth Fishman can be reached at fishman.31@osu.edu.
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