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In May 1995, I graduated from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, a residential school for gifted juniors and seniors in high school from across the state of Louisiana. I had carved a reputation for myself as the campus Transformers fan, and Galvatron was like a second mascot. In the months before graduation students could audition their own speeches before a panel of school administrators, in the hopes of being among the handful chosen to speak at the ceremony. Galvatron and I were among those auditioning.
The following would have been my graduation speech--had it been chosen...
Galvatron's Message to the Class of 1995
written by Sharon "Tut" LaBorde
"Transformations"
For most of you, the words "Galvatron says" have become a frequent sound here at Louisiana School. Truly, this colorful Transformer character, who has been a close companion of mine for many years, has also become a familiar sight to many of you. His silent presence often acts as an inspiration to me by causing me to wonder, "Now just what would Galvatron say, if he could really speak?" Well, here is what my fiesty little companion has to say to you today.
"Seniors of 1995! Today you are graduating, and setting out to conquer the world before you! --Oh, that's right; they don't teach you the conquering bit in school, now do they? No matter, then. Whether you think about it or not, you too are Transformers, after a fashion. Of course, you don't change almost instantaneously into a fantastic new shape like I can, but you do change steadily over time, as part of a constant process. Think about what you were like five years ago, or even one year ago--see, you're much different now, aren't you? And personally, I like Sharon much better the way she is now, compared to the way she was five years ago, or even one year ago.
"Obviously, the most readily apparent signs of your transformation are physical. For the longest time, I wondered if Sharon was just getting bigger, or if I was actually getting smaller! Fortunately for me, the former was true. And I must say, she's grown more shapely over the years, hasn't she? ...Yes, right, well--as I was saying--I would expect you've all grown stronger over time as well. Sharon used to be rather inactive, but now she comes into the room and shows off all these strange karate moves she's learned. Sometimes I pay attention to them.
"But I digress. The most profound of your transformations are of course mental. As time goes by, your reasoning and problem-solving abilities sharpen; and, as a result, your homework gets more complicated. I'm glad Sharon's teachers see a purpose in homework, because I certainly don't. Something tells me college won't be much different, either--all that quality time she could be spending with me... Ah, yes, which brings me to another point--responsibility. Don't roll your eyes at me, even I have responsibilities! Somebody has to keep Sharon in line... You, as a group, have more responsibilities now than you did in years past, and as time goes on, you will become accountable for even more. You are future career holders, future parents, and future leaders, and all of these positions require great responsibility. Depressing, isn't it?
"That in itself is a transformation, though; you are about to transform from senior gifties to Louisiana School graduates. 'Gifties'--you humans come up with the funniest names. Anyway, just two short years ago, you were all unusually bright high school students entering an exceptional school that you'd been accepted to. I still remember when Sharon got her letter of acceptance--she gets so worked up sometimes. Not all of your classmates who were accepted with you made it through their junior year as gifties, but those of you who are here today proved yourselves worthy of the title. As the class of '94 graduated, you took their place and made yet another transformation, becoming senior gifties. Now it is your turn, and you will make still another transition to become graduates yourselves. You won't stop there, of course--in a short time you will become college students, and in a few years some of you will have degrees, others doctorates. Or at least, I would hope so. Some of you will transform into husbands or wives, and later parents--but remember, that's always optional. Then there are career plans; Sharon keeps saying she wants to make cartoons, and brainwash everyone's children. Of course, you don't have to do all that; you can just do like I did, and become a big-shot Decepticon. Then you can really kick some--uhm, right. Anyway.
"Of course, many of these transformations are quite radical, and it can get hard to keep track of them all. The most important part of this transforming process involves fnding yourself and your identity. What good will all of your awards and diplomas do you if you cannot answer the simple question, 'Who am I?'? I know who Galvatron is, and I like him very much, thank you! Some humans I have seen try to mold their identities to fit in with those of others around them-- they have a serious glitch in their programming, if you ask me. You cannot find your own identity in the people around you--who's doing the transforming here, you or them? And remember, no matter how much other people love you--or hate you--if you can't look in the mirror and like what you see, then it's not likely that you will find much happiness in life. Of course, if that's your idea of a fun time, then fine, but don't drag me into your private torture pit! If you want to change who you are, though, then by all means do so; you are Transformers, after all. The only things you need to transform yourself are desire and the courage to do so. Of course, Sharon knows this already; I taught her very well, you know.
"Juniors of '96, I haven't forgotten you; you too are about to make a transformation. In a few minutes you will become seniors of '96, and fill the vacancy your seniors leave behind. Teach your juniors well, and carry out your senior year to its fullest potential--and don't forget to say, 'Galvatron says'. And to all of you here at Louisiana School--it's been a fun two years. Now, let's cut the mush and get this graduation on the road, already!
Adieu,
Galvatron."
Indeed, you don't have to be a futuristic robot in order to make a transformation in your life, a piece of wisdom I give Galvatron some credit for teaching me. As I bid all of you here at Louisiana School a fond farewell before setting off to pursue my own transformations, I leave you with this final thought: Galvatron says it is exactly time for the class of 1995 to graduate!
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