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Page 24 text:
“
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS THIS RESPONSIBILITY By MURIEL FLORENCE CORMACK HE scene which you see before you is a familiar one throughout the nation. To most people it represents the end of a public school education. In reality, it is the beginning, the beginning of our careers in a country dedicated to free- dom. I repeat, it is a country dedicated to freedom; a country whose educational system has been widened to train a greater number of young men and women than ever before; a country where students are allowed the maximum of freedom in their selection of subjects and courses. The most vital question facing us to-day is: How have we exercised this choice? Have we planned our careers carefully? Have we given adequate con- sideration to our choice of vocation? This choice, once made, is an important one, and to-day may well be the deciding day of our lives. Opportunities this year will be better and more numerous than for some time past. Actually, more people will find employment in America this year than in any previous year in the history of our country. Our factories, stores, and offices will employ from three to six million more workers in 1941 than in 1940. Many in this graduating class will take their places in the business world immediately. Others will continue their education. All must choose a career sooner or later. Careful consideration should be given to this choice, because a change of mind after a few years of work results in a great loss of time. And conservation of time and energy in the lives of human beings is conservation unparalleled. For those having mechanical ability the question of choosing a vocation is comparatively easy. One of the best prospects for employment in 1941 will be found in the defence industries. We, in this area, have already felt the tremen- dous surge in business resulting from this increased demand for workers. Nearly one hundred thousand new workers are needed now in these industries through- out the nation. Forty thousand more will be needed early next year. Mechanical ability and a desire for this type of work should prompt a selection in this field. Others with some one special skill or outstanding talent know the road which they will take toward their goal of successful living. Many who have developed useful hobbies will continue to follow them to earn their livelihood. Their interest in their work will insure their happiness. Many others have planned to continue their education in colleges and busi- ness schools. They have made this decision after months, yes, even years, of careful planning. Their parents and instructors have been consulted and have given their advice. Their capabilities have been measured; proper guidance has been given. Nothing will, and nothing can, deter them from their choice.
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Page 25 text:
“
Thus far, I have included only those whose goal is set. They have given adequate consideration to their careers. They will carry out their plans without any great loss of time. Many, however, have failed to consider the future at all. It is the same way throughout the world. It is one of the characteristics of human nature. Young people drift along with the tide. They feel that there is still time. They think, To-morrow is another day; let us wait until to-morrow. For them this appeal is most urgent. The time to make that choice cannot be put off any longer. This does not mean that it should be made in an instant, nor that it should be a mere whim. It does mean that careful, subtantial planning should begin at once. To many, the fact that defence industries are booming implies that this is the only field in which to seek employment. With no special skill for this work, and at the expense of training in another field, they will snatch at the oppor- tunity for any employment. Actually, labor statistics for 1941 indicate that many more jobs will be available in non-war occupations than in the so-called defence industries, and an even greater increase in opportunities will be in store during 1942. Therefore, these must analyze themselves and select their outstanding quality. They must find out in what field it could be used most successfully. They must determine whether or not this field offers the type of employment which they would like to follow, and then seek the advice of parents or experts who will help them to look ahead. Bear in mind that long-range vision in career planning is as vital and necessary as long-range planning in government or business. After they have clone this, they must earnestly attack the problem of selling themselves. Prepared in this manner, armed with courage instead of self-pity, they are bound to find some way toward their established goal, because they are prepared. Gilbert Chesterton in considering this same problem once said: I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act. But I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. Mothers and fathers, our choice of careers may take us far from your loving (are. but we shall always realize the unselfish part you have played in fashioning our lives. Mr. Thibadeau and members of the School Committee, may long con- tinue your good work of improving and planning the schools of Weymouth to give increased opportunities to future classes. Mr. Whittle and teachers, to you we owe many thanks for your kind advice, guidance, and friendship. May we make for ourselves in the world, a record which will repay your work. Classmates, let us remember that success in any field will depend on the individual. We, and we alone, make our opportunities. The difference between a correct and false start may mean the difference between success and failure. For our own esteem and the esteem of all these who have made this day possible, let us get that correct start; and, through the years, let us always remember our class motto— Honor be our guide. S3 E3
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