It's who, not what you'll be that's important

Graduates, you've made it through the ceremony. You endured seemingly thousands of hugs, good wishes, laughter and yes, a few tears.

You've eaten enough white cake, with white frosting, decorated with "2009" to carry you through to your wedding cake, somewhere down your future's path.

And, you've answered, patiently, that question you were asked dozens of times, "What are you going to be?"

It's a good question, but my question for you graduates, is much different and, I think, much more important.

"Who are you going to be?"

Careers are important. They can decide where you live, what kind of house you can afford, and what credit score you hold. For some, I suppose, vitally important things.

They don't, however, define a truly successful life.

That comes from those other, even more important decisions you make over the course of your life.

Will you be a steadfast friend, a loving spouse, a guiding parent?

Will you be a giver, not a taker?

Will you be an adventurer, whether it's in your own backyard or across the globe?

Will you hold on to that curiosity, about life, about others, about the world around us?

Careers ebb and flow. You'll ride those highs and struggle on through the valleys. Half of you will likely change your major before you graduate from college.

So, are you on a path to find out what you'll do?

I don't think so.

You're on a path to find out who you'll become. That's so much more important.

I'm the queen of the quote, ask my family. People far more intelligent than I have said what I feel, usually in a far more literate manner. And so, in honor of this big occasion, I've called out the big guns.

Jack London, a writer who knew a little bit about living life to its fullest, says it wonderfully:

"I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."

Don't believe him? Well then, look to the immortal wisdom of Ferris Bueller.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. "

Or my favorite piece of advice, attributed to Mark Twain:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Congratulations on achieving this milestone. And, best of luck on the next adventures of your life.

And, enjoy yourself on your search for who you're going to be.