Graduation Address to the Class of 2014 by Superintendent Dr. Marion H. Martinez

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Graduation Address to the Class of 2014
by Superintendent Dr. Marion H. Martinez
Good Afternoon and welcome parents, grandparents, friends, and
supporters. Thank you Mayor David and councilors Rennia, Webb and
Papastrap for joining us today to celebrate the fantastic class of 2014!
Congratulations to the class of 2014. This is a beautiful day and this is a
momentous occasion. You have worked very hard, overcome
challenges and today is the day to bask in the sunlight of your
accomplishments. However, when the music fades and the parties end,
where are you going? Do you know? What does the future hold?
Although I admit I don't have much time for recreational reading, I
always look at the list of best sellers on the New York Times Best Sellers
List. One book really drew my attention, "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let
Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to be and Embrace Who You
Are". The author, Brenee Brown says;
"Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something
larger than us. Because this yearning is so primal, we often try to
acquire it by fitting in and seeking approval, which are not only hollow
substitutes for belonging, but often barriers to it. Because true
belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect
selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than
our self-acceptance."

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In theory, this sounds relatively simple. Be who you are and stop
pretending you're someone you're not. Dr. Brown says we need to
cultivate the courage to be imperfect while we are constantly being
bombarded by the media, especially advertising, that is telling us what
clothes we should wear, cologne we should use, shampoo we should
use if we want to create the "right" image. We spend so much of our
time, trying to create the right image that we've lost ourselves. Now
don't get me wrong, I know how important it is to be accepted. It
seems to have its roots and become most evident in middle school
when the influence of peers is infinitively stronger than parents, family,
the church or school.
We all want to be recognized as successful, but sometimes we are so
focused on the trappings that identify successful people that we
literally lose ourselves. If our primary focus is on the fancy car, the big
house and the designer clothes to the exclusion of the quality of your
relationships, the ability to give love and receive love, empathy,
compassion and the need to serve others, I question how we define
success.
The "right" image is who you are. Believe in yourself. Have confidence
in your abilities because each one of you can make valuable
contributions that will make the world a kinder, gentler and better
place. Identify your talents and realize your potential. Unfortunately, if
you are like the rest of us, you will experience disappointment,
heartache and challenges. That's just life. Develop a resilient spirit.
Resilience is defined as "an individual’s ability to properly adapt to
stress and adversity. Stress and adversity can come in the shape of
family or relationship problems, health problems, or workplace and

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financial stressors, among others.[1] Individuals demonstrate resilience
when they can face difficult experiences and rise above them with ease.
Resiliency is demonstrated within individuals who can effectively and
relatively easily navigate their way around crises and utilize effective
methods of coping.[3][4][5][6]
Resilience people have positive emotionality
and are able to balance negative emotions with positive ones. "
A positive relationship with others inside or outside one’s family is the
greatest factor attributed to one's resiliency. It is also the single most
critical means of handling both ordinary and extraordinary levels of
stress. Studies show that there are several major factors which develop
and sustain a person`s resilience:
1. A positive self-concept and confidence in one’s strengths and
abilities
2. Communication and problem-solving skills
3. A belief they can overcome temporary diversity and end up in a
better place
4. The ability to manage strong impulses and feelings
These factors are not necessarily inherent; they can be developed in
any individual and they promote resiliency.
Some of you have already demonstrated your resiliency through the
experiences and challenges you have encountered in your families,
neighborhoods and life. Dr. Brown in "The Gifts of Imperfection",
suggests we need to DIG deep"
 "D" - Get Deliberate - How am I intentionally caring for myself?
Whether it is exercise, meditation, thinking positively,

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demonstrating caring for others, reflecting on your
achievements...
 "I" - Get Inspired - Writer and researcher Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
said, "People are like stain-glass windows. They sparkle and shine
when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in; their beauty is
revealed only when there is a light from within. I believe that light
is your resilience and you must nurture that light.
 "G" - Get Going - Take action, be brave, and make a difference.
You've demonstrated your talents and strengths again and again.
Sometimes it was on stage at the Helen Foley Theatre, on the
athletic fields, at art shows, during community events, charity
events or participation in mentoring programs.
I have a wall plaque that I acquired, I think when I was in college, but
frankly, I don't really remember when. Nevertheless, I have had it for a
very long time. I don't hang it on the wall and haven't for a number of
years, but whenever I feel like I need a boost of encouragement, I take
it out a read it a few times. I'd like to recognize the author, but his/her
name doesn't appear on it.
This is how it goes:
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think, you can't.
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost,

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For in this world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will:
It's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man:
But sooner or later the man
who wins, is the man who thinks he can!
You are a talented group and you will do great things.
Congratulations and best wishes for a long, satisfying and resilient
life...
Oh, and see you at the Distinguished Alumni Celebration!
Dr. Marion H. Martinez
Superintendent, Binghamton City Schools