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A High School Grad Speech

2/10/2015

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Greetings fellow graduates! How does it feel to be free? A relief, isn’t it? Maybe a little unsettling; like something is lurking around the corner? If I’m going to be honest, and I really believe I’ve earned that right, I’m not sure how some of us survived this place. I’ll stop short of calling high school a horror house replete with Leather Face, but let it not be said it was easy, peaceful, or pleasant. I mean come on, if you can make it through four years of continuous pressure from parents, teachers, counselors and peers without some sort of alcohol or drug problem then you my friend are special. So special, in fact, I suggest you go through four years of college, two more years of grad school, and an internship at some mental hospital because, frankly, you belong there in a strait jacket.

I want to pretend the world is a nice place where you’ll be accepted by everyone despite your difference. You won’t be alone – there are plenty of odd balls out there. The bottom line, whether you continue your education or not, is that your will determines the future. My parents always tell me I can be anything and do anything I put my mind to – I believe them. It goes the other way too. If you don’t get your mind on something you’ll be nothing. Fail now and a bad grade won’t be the issue – you’ll face poverty, homelessness, addiction, disease, imprisonment, and death. Failure means you’ll be incapable of taking care of your children, providing a safe home for your family, or maintain a sustainable future. Failure means throwing away your education and doing nothing with the obstacle course you just completed.

There’s no need for me to give this long speech about positive crap you can do with the rest of your life. If you already know what you want it doesn’t matter what I say. If you don’t know, like me, you’re gonna have to figure it out on your own. Life is already hard and I doubt it will get easier. I think school was meant to be difficult because it’s a sample of what’s to come. Having said this – respect the journey and enjoy the final carefree days you have left before making your way in the world. Thanks and good luck!

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    Author

    In the time he has been incarcerated, Lyle May has earned an Associates in Arts degree with a social science emphasis through Ohio University; paralegal certification through the Center for Legal Studies; and is currently working on his bachelor’s degree. He has published two articles in The Wing, an international newsletter for death penalty opponents, and is hard at work writing a second memoir detailing his experiences on death row. When he is not writing Lyle enjoys sci-fi and fantasy novels, calisthenics, and dreams of freedom.

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    Lyle welcomes comments to his blog.  However, because Lyle's case is still pending, he will not be able to respond to any questions or comments that you may have.

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