Editors Note: The Following Is A Transcript Of The Address ✓ Solved

Editors Note The Following Is A Transcript Of The Address

Best-selling author John Green ’00 H’16 gave a Commencement address on May 21, congratulating the Class of 2016 and reflecting on his own experiences at Kenyon. He urged students to think about the people who have supported them, emphasizing the importance of love and kindness from family, friends, and professors. Green shared memories of his time at Kenyon and his relationship with his professor, Don Rogan, who had a significant impact on his life by showing him love and seriousness.

He contrasted perceptions of adulthood with reality, stating that adulthood is often approached with dread, likening it to a disease or a boring plight filled with mundane tasks and responsibilities. Green pointed out that although adulthood is often perceived negatively, the education received at Kenyon is invaluable. He explained that what they learned wasn’t just academic knowledge but also deep listening—which is crucial to understanding and engaging with the world around them.

Green emphasized that listening helps defend against societal lies that promote selfishness and strength above all. He suggested that real fulfillment comes from embracing vulnerability and recognizing our connections with each other, framing conversations about mundane issues, such as lawn care, as discussions about community and solidarity.

He offered no concrete advice on achieving success but highlighted the importance of remembering foundational relationships. Green encouraged graduates to connect with those who cared for them and to treat others with kindness and understanding, ultimately urging them to appreciate the shared human experience as they navigate adulthood.

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In the contemporary landscape of education and adulthood, commencement addresses often serve as vital touchpoints for graduates transitioning into the so-called 'real world.' The address given by John Green at Kenyon College's 188th Commencement is a noteworthy example, intertwining personal anecdotes with broader reflections on life, love, and the human experience.

Green opens his address with a moment of reflection, asking everyone to consider those who have supported them throughout their journey. This approach emphasizes the role of community and relationships, vital elements that form the foundation of our personal and professional lives. According to Green, the people who love us shape our realities and serve as our navigators through the myriad challenges of adulthood.

Green's recollections of Kenyon highlight the joyous yet often forgettable aspects of academic life. He recalls a Commencement address he attended, praising the juxtaposition of collective memories that often highlight the less-than-exciting reality of long speeches. This serves as an insert of humor, drawing his audience in while reminding them of the fleeting nature of such moments. At the same time, he contrasts his youthful perspectives on adulthood with his present understanding, noting how initial fears of adulthood morphed into acceptance of its dreariness and mundanity.

By characterizing adulthood as a “disease” and a series of tiresome tasks, Green taps into the common dread that many associate with growing up. However, rather than resigning to this dreariness, he proposes an alternative perspective where adults remain connected, engaged, and unified despite life’s trivialities. Green argues that love is the currency of humanity, transcending the practicalities and challenges individuals may face, and it is through listening and vulnerability that we connect more deeply with others.

His insights resonate strongly with the ideals of liberal arts education, suggesting that beyond teaching how to think critically, it encourages the ability to truly listen. This is a powerful reminder for graduates facing an often overstimulated world filled with distractions. The skill of active listening can empower individuals to engage with diverse perspectives, tackling the complexities of modern society. This experience aligns with findings in psychology emphasizing the role of empathy and communication in fostering strong relationships and community engagement (Goleman, 1995).

Green's discussion about societal demands—discussing issues such as homeowners’ association meetings and insurance policies—serves to illustrate the often tedious nature of adult life. Yet he asserts that within these conversations lies another layer of meaning, a deeper connection to one another. This perspective reshapes the narrative surrounding adulthood, transforming mundane tasks into vital opportunities for connection and community building. This indeed parallels studies that show how shared experiences forge stronger communal ties (Putnam, 2000).

At the heart of Green's address is the theme of vulnerability; he posits that embracing one’s limitations allows for a more profound engagement with the world. He challenges the archetype of the self-sufficient hero to highlight the importance of interdependence, a narrative growing increasingly relevant in today's hyper-individualistic society (Schwartz, 2015). By suggesting that true strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses, Green urges graduates to dismantle the barriers that prevent authentic connections. This is particularly poignant in light of recent societal shifts that call for increased collaboration rather than the solitary pursuit of success.

Moreover, Green cites the importance of remembering moments of humility—referencing an anecdote from fellow professor Wendy MacLeod about becoming a 'nobody' as vital for maintaining perspective and empathy. This suggestion bears merit as it relates to transformative learning principles, where experiencing marginalization or humility can broaden one's understanding and compassion (Mezirow, 2000).

In concluding his address, Green reiterates the significance of expressing gratitude to those who contributed to their success. This act not only acknowledges past contributions but reinforces their importance in navigating the future. As the graduates step into a new chapter, the foundation they lay must be built on loyalty, gratitude, and interconnectedness, reinforcing the broader societal fabric that holds communities together (Helliwell & Putnam, 2004).

Ultimately, Green’s Commencement address serves as both a reflection of personal experiences and a profound exploration of the human condition. His call to embrace love, community, vulnerability, and active listening extends beyond the walls of Kenyon College, touching the very essence of what it means to grow, connect, and navigate the complexities of adulthood. These values transcend academic achievements, encouraging graduates to forge a path that is not only successful in the traditional sense but also enriching to their souls and those of the communities they will inhabit.

References

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