It has been my secret dream for three years now to hijack my commencement speech. I had the perfect plan. There was just one problem; there will be no big-name speaker. When I learned this, it hurt. Because, Gators, there are issues we must discuss.
We've learned things.
We know to question authority - unless they have Tasers.
We've found that nobody can promise the impossible, with the exception of Tim Tebow. And we have grown from wide-eyed, impressionable and confused freshmen to weathered Titletown veterans. We know the hot spots in town, whose couch to crash on and where to get the best anything. We've seen University Avenue not only from the backs of cars but from the tops of roofs and light poles.
We take with us four national championships and the dubious distinction of being the top party school. Let the superstitious know - we did our part to keep the bricks of Century Tower inviolate (and not much else). Let the prudes know - we've banned smoking (and if Bernie Machen has his way, all fun). And let Ohio State know that - well, they know.
We've seen some of the most historic changes in our country's history - foremost, Mr. Two Bits' retirement, with Obama's election a close second.
We've battled Guitar Hero, Halo, late-night poker and the very world (of Warcraft) itself just to get to class each day.
We've done big things, as both individuals and as a university.
But that is not our virtue. We are gathered here because of what we will do.
Many of you remember that ridiculous advertising campaign for UF back in 2006:
"Go start a Fortune 500 company!" "Go cure cancer!" "Go to Mars!" No pressure.
It's almost too much responsibility for a person to bear. But when looking at the bright, passionate students all around you, it is hard to not be optimistic.
John Donne once wrote, "No man is an island." Perhaps the weight, our charge, is not meant to be borne alone. We are lifted here on the support of our loved ones and families; we shall rise to the next challenge with the fellowship of our peers.
So, graduates, never send to know for whom the Gator growls; it growls for thee. Go class of 2009! Go Gators!
Ben Camenker is a UF alumnus.
