Thank you President Thomas for that very kind introduction and for inviting me to share this special day with all of you.
But I really have to wonder if you had known me when I was an 18-year-old Converse freshman, whether I would have received such a glowing introduction, not to mention an invitation to join you!
You know, in my role as First Lady I hear a lot about "party" affiliations.
Well, I prepared for that role during my days at Converse by making sure I was always affiliated with a party!
But seriously, President Thomas, before I go on I just want to let you know how much you have meant to me and to Converse College.
I'm certain this must be a day of mixed emotions for you -- your last commencement as Converse president.
But you take many wonderful memories with you and leave behind many gifts: From the establishment of the South Carolina Institute of Leadership for Women to the creation of new degrees and upgraded campus technology, you've left an indelible mark on this institution.
Thank you for a job well done.
You will truly be missed.
When I was a student here in the early 1980s, I was just beginning to experience the profound impact computers and cutting-edge technology would have on the rest of my life.
I actually used a typewriter to churn out my term papers -- with "white out" always in reach.
My 7-year-old daughter Mary Hunter doesn't even know what a typewriter looks like.
But she knows where the delete key is on our family computer. And uses that computer not only to type her homework but for research on the world wide web.
And contrary to what some of you present Pink Panthers are thinking, the 1980s was NOT that long ago!
While a lot has changed, Converse still feels like home: The place where young women are given the tools to build their dreams. And the skills to embrace them.
This remains constant at Converse College -- a spirit that even the most sophisticated technology cannot enhance.
It is the common bond that unites all Converse graduates.
That, and cartacs!
I didn't appreciate this on my own graduation day.
I do now.
And I'm confident someday you will too.
Ever hear that old saying, "If only I'd known then what I know
now?"
Everyone here over age 30 has thought this at least once -- wishing you could combine the wisdom you've gained through experience, with the vigor, energy and invincibility you felt in your youth.
We all know we can't turn back the hands of time.
But we can control the time we have left.
And for the graduates we're honoring today, Lord willing, you've
got many days and years ahead to craft a life of timeless moments.
But there's no time to waste.
General Douglas MacArthur said, "Nobody grows old merely living a number of years...People grow old by deserting their ideals...You are as young as your self-confidence...As old as your fears."
This is a magical day for the Class of '98.
It marks the first page of a brand new chapter in your lives.
And with each line added, you'll quickly discover that youth
is not confined to a time in your life, but is a state of mind.
As long as you continue to embrace hope you're young.
The Bible tells us in the book of John, "Make use of the Light
while there is still time. Then you will become light bearers."
Over the course of your study at Converse, your professors took
great care to impart on all of you the light of knowledge.
Of course, they had to work a lot harder on some of us than others!
Nonetheless, they worked tirelessly to open new worlds and build a foundation from which you could begin your new lives: starting today.
But they did this with the unspoken hope that you'll take what you've learned and use it not only to light your way, but the way for others.
Converse empowers women to believe we can do and achieve whatever we dream.
But with action comes responsibility.
Convenience stores, microwaves, fast food, computers and TV scream the same message: You can have it all now!
Well, guess what? You really can have it all.
But like Oprah Winfrey says, "You can't have it all at the same time."
The choices women face today are staggering.
That's why the priorities we set for ourselves are more important
than they've ever been.
In this graduating class sit future doctors, computer scientists,
CEOs or, I hope, a Governor.
All of you will likely change jobs or career paths a number of times as you climb the ladder of success.
And you're fortunate to be entering the most dynamic workforce in a decade.
Unemployment in South Carolina is at an historic-low. And economic development at an all-time high.
In the past three years, companies have invested more than $16.5 billion in this state, creating 80 thousand new jobs!
Skilled college graduates are at a premium: Businesses badly want graduates like you.
I encourage you to get out there and build your careers.
Strive to soar above your wildest expectations.
And yes, it's even okay to make some money.
But remember that unspoken pact you made with your professors here: to share your gifts and talents, to shine a light in a dark place.
Because climbing to the top of that ladder can be awfully lonely if you're up there all by yourself.
So reach down and lend a helpful hand to someone on a lower rung.
Become a mentor to a needy child, teach an illiterate adult to read, visit a nursing home.
Back in 1996, we announced the formation of the Putting Families First Foundation.
The Foundation acts as a network linking various faith communities, civic groups and other organizations with families in need.
These groups actually adopt South Carolina families, providing for some of their most basic needs while teaching them skills to become self sufficient.
My point here is that government is not the answer to all our social problems.
Nor can it ever be.
And the real problem of big government is that most of us assume
it's taking care of everything and everybody.
That's allowed us to become complacent.
We relegate to government our responsibility to care for ourselves, our families and our neighbors.
Government can provide temporary bandaids.
But what our society needs today are the healing hands of good people. People like you.
When you leave here today you will become part of a new community.
I challenge each of you to assess what the needs are where you live, and then try to meet them.
Family psychologist Dr. James Dobson reminds us there are different seasons in all our lives. And as those seasons change, so do our priorities.
And I suspect in a different season, many of you will eventually decide to get married and start a family.
These are life-altering decisions. The most important you'll
ever make.
More important than your career, or any project you've immersed
yourself in, no matter how worthwhile.
Because when you and your husband decide it's time to start a family, you've committed yourselves to leading the way for a future generation.
Dr. Dobson likewise says when you raise your children you're also raising your grandchildren.
When David and I married, we made a commitment right then and there that our family would be the single most important priority in our lives.
So when Mary Hunter was born, I made the decision to stay at home.
Although my duties as First Lady take me away from the children sometimes more than I'd like, my first and foremost responsibility is always to them.
Because what they see and hear from David and me today will be passed onto their children.
I was listening to the radio a few weeks ago as the director of a family ministry from England was speaking about the most poignant letter he had ever received.
It was from a woman who felt hopeless and guilty all because when she was born her father really wanted a boy.
She could never be who he wanted her to be. So he never gave her the time she needed. Nothing was ever good enough. Her life was racked with guilt.
That woman was 85 years old.
And her father long since dead.
But the wounds of her childhood remained an open sore clouding her entire life with an aching pain.
When Mother Teresa received her Nobel Prize, she was asked, "What can we do to help world peace?"
Her answer? "Go home and love your family."
You can't love your family if you're spending every moment at work.
They need you more. And they must be your ultimate priority.
You hold the power to create a generation of strong, healthy
families who will perpetuate that cycle.
It all begins with you.
And let me add something here that's near and dear to my heart.
While you're taking care of everyone else, please take good care of yourselves.
Last year I kicked off a women's health campaign and I've discovered some discouraging news about South Carolina women.
Did you know that we're among the most sedentary women in the nation and have a high number of diseases that could be prevented through physical activity -- like heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis?
Research shows that moms are the role models in the family. Children eat what they eat and emulate their fitness routines.
So while you're young, make the commitment now to adopt a lifetime
of good eating and exercise.
I promise you won't regret it.
And let's face it -- you'll need the health and energy that comes with eating right and staying fit.
That's because I understand more than half of you are graduating with degrees in education.
Now I ask you: Who besides a mother needs more energy than a teacher?
Talk about being a light bearer and touching the next generation!
And this is such an exciting time in education.
For the first time in South Carolina, teachers are being paid above the Southeastern average, and our schools are being equipped with 21st century technology.
We're also adopting rigorous new standards setting the stage for academic excellence from elementary to high school.
So your children will reap the benefits of the groundwork we're laying today to make South Carolina's education system top-notch.
David and I have 3 small children -- and as most of you probably know a baby on the way -- so we understand just how critical this is.
In fact, every decision David has made as governor has been with one question in mind: What does this mean for South Carolina families? Both today and tomorrow?
That's why we've worked hard to preserve the majestic acres of nearby Jocassee Gorges and many other natural treasures.
In fact, South Carolina has preserved 140 thousand of its most pristine acres from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
That land really does belong to our children and our grandchildren and we have an obligation to leave it better than we've found it.
Just as all of you leave this place better than you've found it.
Seasons change. And yours here has passed.
Use some of what you've learned to weather all the seasons in your life. Because there are winters ahead.
In every life there are moments of trial and tribulation, when pessimism temporarily darkens your heart.
But thanks to God's perfect planning, all winters turn to springs, when hope and optimism light your way.
And you learn to appreciate those dark days because they cause you to grow and revel in the sunshine.
Helen Keller said, "No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars...Or sailed to an uncharted land...Or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."
As you begin your journey into uncharted land, savor every stop along the way.
If you focus solely on the destination, you miss the wonder and
beauty of the trip.
And the trip is what life is all about.
It's what fills your book of memories.
So fill it well.
Class of 1998...Bon Voyage.
David and I wish you a safe and joyful journey, and pray that you'll use the gifts you graduate with today to light your world.
Thank you.
Good luck and Godspeed.