Class of 2002
Congratulations to the class of 2002! The end of this part of the journey is over and you are now beginning the next part which will take you far down the road of life. Your class motto is very Zen and I think fitting for all of you. You have learned much wisdom and have given so much away to help others, particularly me! You will continue to acquire much knowledge and knowledge is power. Use it wisely. Do not lose your focus in life while working so hard to acquire this knowledge. Picture the perfect life, the dream come true life in all its' detail. Don't let anything reduce or interfere with this dream no matter how you, or others, may think them silly, childish, unrealistic, or impossible to attain. Then set out to make everything lead you to fulfillment of that dream life. Those are your life goals and by seeking them, you will be fulfilling your purpose in life. It is only in pursuing your life's purpose can you truly be successful and find happiness. Nobody ever achieves everything in their dream or makes it to the end of their journey towards reaching all of these goals. But remember, it is not in the destination that brings happiness and enlightenment, it is in the journey that brings you the happiness and enlightenment you seek. Such areas of life goals may include physical and mental health, spiritual goals ( why am I here? what's my purpose in life? what do I have to over that is unique and only I can offer?, etc.), family, career, education, financial, recreation, hobbies, social, and other areas of importance to you. Be specific and then develop specific strategies and steps to achieving these goals. Once you do, you will never feel like you are stuck going nowhere or at a dead end in life. Every place you are is simply a point along the way towards your destination. You will always be on your journey and thus always happy.
The class of 2002 represents students whom I have known and taught now for two years. Last year at graduation, I felt like a parent. This year, the emotions will be double that of last year for me. We both have invested a lot of time, work, energy, hardships, laughs, and so much more together every day. With the major hardships I faced this year, you were there for me and that makes for an incredibly strong bond. It will be a happy and sad time for me as I watch you graduate this year. I have grown so close and feel like I have hundreds of my own children graduating this year. I am so proud of each and every one of you and wish you the very best success and happiness on the road ahead. Please e-mail me so I won't miss you so much. I love to hear from all my students and I am not bothered in the least to get e-mails and respond to them. Please stay in touch. With love,
Dr. Hopper