As I like to do this time of year, I wanted to share with you some inspirational and thought provoking words from Mr. Tom Moran, principal of my alma mater, St. Francis High School in La Canada, CA. He always touches something within me with these addresses, and this year is no different. His message to the graduates - perseverance. Boy, did he nail it! I was no genius when I was at SFHS. I wasn't athletic, I wasn't an academic wiz-kid. The highlight of my high school career was making the cutoff for the upper 50% of the 148 members of the class of 1980. But somewhere, somehow, that lesson of perseverance sunk in and has driven me ever since.
When I earned Eagle Scout later that year, it was through pure perseverance. That same perseverance would get me through the next 10 years in college. It was perseverance that kept me going through losing my job in the recession of the early 1990's. It was perseverance that helped me build a loving relationship with my wife and children. It is that same perseverance that continues to drive me in this ministry of Adult Formation and Initiation. So if anything, my life has become a model of perseverance. Thank you, Mr. Moran, for these wise words:
Mr. Moran's Address to the Graduates - Saturday, May 28, 2022:
“Some assembly required.” For years, those were three of the most dreaded words in our home. Whenever we opened a box with that warning, my wife and sons would scatter frantically in one direction and our pets in another. While struggling to construct a toy, appliance, or furniture, I seldom had the right tools, or ended up either with missing or leftover parts. The final product never resembled the picture on the instructions. So, you won’t find me at Ikea or Home Depot.
It is crucial to invest the requisite time and energy to build anything of value, whether it is concrete or abstract. Because I lacked mechanical aptitude, I became impatient and gave up trying to assemble things.
Mike Newlin, class of 1967, was arguably the greatest basketball player in St. Francis history. The eleven-year NBA veteran graduated magna cum laude from college, was a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and student of the Bible. Go ahead and google him (not now). In an interview with Sports Illustrated he stated: “Genius is perseverance in disguise.”
Now, I have never been called a genius unless you count sarcasm. Other than Quinn, our valedictorian, maybe you haven’t either. But using Newlin’s definition, we all have that potential if we exert maximum effort.
Some people view St. Francis High School as a finished product, not requiring additional assembly. But there is genius beneath its development. We have a Board of Directors that labored quietly to construct this institution, friars who enriched the spiritual infrastructure, educators who created the academic foundation, coaches and moderators who built traditions and programs, and families who amassed resources. This required years of perseverance and considerable assembly. If you are dedicated to constant improvement, there is always “some assembly required.”
St. Francis, who was never mistaken for a genius, was challenged to “rebuild My church,” literally and figuratively. Some assembly was required. Your academic careers, and commitment to a sport, fine art, or activity has demanded some assembly. And whatever college you attend, your admission and ultimate commencement will require some assembly. Persevere and you can be considered a genius.
Someday I might derive immense pride in assembling a barbeque, swing set, or tricycle. Until then, I am resigned to allow others to demonstrate their genius. But I believe that the dreaded phrase “some assembly required” tells us that there is still more to be accomplished. It is simply a reminder to persevere.
Samuel Johnson wrote: “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.”
Your class has persevered through an unprecedented time. As you confront future adversity, don’t disguise your genius, persevere. You have all the tools you need. Expect in every significant pursuit, there will be “some assembly required.” Whether facing a major project or exam, integrating Franciscan virtues into your lives, or developing authentic relationships, “some assembly is required.” If your life becomes chaotic, “some assembly is required.” And in pursuing all your goals, remember-natural ability is optional, but there will always be “some assembly required.”
On behalf of our Board of Directors, friars, faculty and staff, congratulations class of 2022.
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