Advice on Written Commencement Speech
 

A very close (but dysfunctional friend's) daughter is graduating high school. Because of the current situation, they asked us to enclose a 'note' to send her on her way to Virginia Tech via a 'virtual' ceremony.

In spite of her dad's 25 year opiate addition, she has done exceptionally well through-out school and is headed for VT; pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering AND Interior Design.

My wife and I are each going to write a thoughtful letter with-out sounding cliché or father-like I would like to write something she'd remember and value.

I'm thinking @1/2 to 3/4 page, some thoughts and or specific words...……. please and thank-you.

This thread would be a great start: Be honest. Honesty is the one thing kids her age crave.

It is about her. Tell her why she matters to you and your wife in simple terms, why you are proud of her.

VT is a great school. I wish her well.

Heart.

You’re about to enter 'The Real World'. That's what everybody says. But most of us have been in the real world for a long time. But I have something to tell everybody. I've glimpsed our future, and all I can say is... 'Go Back'.

Great advice. Be specific and personal to her, so it's not "Hallmark" sentiment. She'll see through that. We don't know those specifics, so you're going to have to come up with the details. What do you think of when you think of her? What vivid memories of her do you have?

VT is a great school. Got two kids there (virtually) now. They're very happy with it.