A message for graduates and a reminder to us all
A token as a reminder
It’s been about five years since I’ve been in the classroom, but those formative days (for the student and for myself) stick in my mind and feel like they were yesterday.
Towards the end of my time as a teacher, I wanted to let the graduates know how proud I was of them. For the vast majority of their cognitive lives, they had been working very hard to reach the moment where they successfully graduated high school. It’s something that they should revel in—a true accomplishment.
But at the same time, I wanted them to realize that this is not the end of the line. In fact, this dignified accomplishment gets you a spot in the line. It opens the door. You may have more education than close to a third of Americans, but the diploma earned is a leg up, not the finish line.
I’m a big fan of a physical token, so it landed with me that an easy token I could give to students that also expressed what I hoped they remembered was a poker chip. To get into a game of poker, you have to buy in. It’s not automatic. And just because you’ve secured a spot doesn’t mean you’re promised success.
It’s all in how you play the hand that’s dealt.
Below is what I included with my little poker chip to my students reminding them that they’ve done a great job earning a spot at the table—but now, it’s time to play the game, and to play for keeps.
“Ante Up!”
“Ante up” is a phrase used in poker. Dictionary.com defines it as “a fixed but arbitrary stake put into the pot by each player before the deal.” You only play the game to win the pot of money—the greater the stakes, the greater the buy-in. You’ve accomplished something great by earning your diploma from Clinton High School…
…but that’s not the end of the game. The past 18 years have been your buy-in. You now have a seat at the table.
Life’s going to deal you some great cards as well as some really bad cards. You’re going to be up, and you’re going to be in the hole a good bit too. Just remember that you’re not competing with the rest of the world. You have just as much chance as everyone else. What will set you apart is how you play the hand you’re dealt. I’m proud of you and proud I’ve gotten to know you.
Remember that you’ve always got me in your corner.
The game’s about to start.
Get focused. Get Ready.
And have fun.
Welcome to the game.
You now have a spot at the table. Ante up!
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