Good evening Ledyard High School graduates of the class of 2020, teachers and faculty, and friends and family. Today is the day. Or at least, it was supposed to be. I wanted to speak before you today to share a message that I will hold close for many, many years. In light of our current situation, I would encourage not just the seniors graduating with me today, but other students, and teachers, and moms, and dads, and siblings, to really take this message to heart.

I have many regrets. I am sure many of you do, too. I regret not spending more time on that one assignment. I regret not joining that club a year earlier. I regret not practicing more. I regret not spending more time with friends. I regret not spending more time with family. I regret so many things, and I regret that I regret so many things.

Looking back at high school, everyone here can find something to regret. But what kind of life would one be that is filled with regret? What purpose is there to regretting our past decisions, our past mistakes? As we all move on from High School today to enroll in college, go to a trade school, enlist in the military, or join the workforce, I challenge you to look back and think about the things that you don’t regret. I know that every one of you sitting out here today has had good memories. It is your choice to remember them and take them with you wherever you may go.

High School probably wasn’t or will not be the most exciting moment of your lives. But that does not mean you have to live in regret. I challenge you to look around you and bask in the presence of the present. Take hold of the good things in your life. We cannot dwell on the past because what would become of those good things had our past been different? Do not think of yesterday or tomorrow; think about today. Take in today with all its glory because today is another day that you can live without regret. Thank you.

(Wesley Hughes is a Ledyard Scholar.)