Reflecting on my own graduation from high school each June is always an interesting affair. Walking down the aisle as one of 80 or so young men in O’Dea’s class of 1990 really seems like a different life. It was. I was a different person.

Some 15 years later, my connections to classmates have all but faded (Unfortunately, I never have been very good at keeping up with folks who pass out of my life). Every now and again, I’ll run into one or two and talk about days long gone. More often than not these sessions consist of vain attempts to catch up on the last decade and a half and/or a few comments about our old teachers.

Actually, I see the teachers more often.

My parents are good friends with many of my former educators and through this relationship, I have gotten to know the Fighting Irish staff members on a first name basis. Although, truthfully, my first instinct is and always will be to throw a Mr. or Mrs. in front of their last names when I address them.

It’s a sign of respect for those who put in countless hours to make sure students like me didn’t fall behind and continued to strive for excellence.

A sign that I still value them for all they sacrifice as teachers. All they gave and continue to give.

I guess I’ve found that friends come and go but your teachers will always be your teachers. Whether you look up to them now, or curse their names for having been so tough on you, that fact won’t change.

What might is your attitude about those tough teachers. I had plenty. Some I still don’t care to talk to but with most I’ve come to realize that they pushed me to excel because they cared about me — as a student and a young adult.

Which brings me to the class of 2005.

You’re taking a huge step today. Walking out of high school, many for the last time, and into a world you know very little about. Everything in your lives will be different from this day forward. Believe me.

Next fall, some of you will attend institutions of high education while others will follow a different route. Both can be rewarding but you’ve got to keep your bearings my friends, check your compasses often. It’s easy to get off track and lose sight of your goals.

Ask yourself “who” you want to be. Not so much “what” you want to be. While the two should complement each other, your profession should not dictate the kind of person you are. Hopefully, it will support and nurture it, though.

In the grand scheme of things, your occupations are not half as important as the adults you become. Remember that.

All too often our society gauges “success” on what a person makes, not necessarily what he or she gives back. Certain doctors may earn $125,000 a year, dislike their jobs, feel disdain for their neighbors, and still be deemed “achievers” just because they have “made it.”

On the other hand, “lowly” construction workers may pull in $35,000, slave away everyday, enjoy their job, have a loving wife and children, donate time and money when they can and happily give back to the community they reside in.

Who is the real success?

Not to say the opposite scenario also doesn’t exist but the point here is that, having graduated, you should be taking a good long look at who you are now and who you aspire to be.

Who, again.

Not so much what.

If you can find something to do in life that works for you; challenges you to use your talents; you thoroughly enjoy; and that gives you a sense of pride and fulfillment — do it. It is a good starting point on the pathway to becoming a happy and truly successful adult. If you feel yourself treading upon it (you will know) just keep walking no matter how hard the going gets. It will be worth it.

Congratulations to the class of 2005 and the best of luck to each and every one of you, whoever you may be and wherever your paths may take you.

JOE IRWIN,

O’Dea High School,

Class of 1990