Project Congraduations
In 2010 Chief Bob Rich authored a letter to all Abbotsford graduates congratulating them on their achievement. The Abbotsford Police Department also produced a one minute graduation video message from Chief Bob Rich that could be played during convocation. In the message Chief Rich used crossroads as a metaphor to making choices in one’s life.
In 2011 Chief Rich again authored a congratulatory letter and another graduation video message from Chief Rich was provided to the schools so it could be played for the graduates. In this message Chief Rich used driving a car as a metaphor to taking control of one’s life through the choice’s they make.
On behalf of the 300 members of your Abbotsford Police Department, congratulations on your graduation from Grade 12! What an exciting time! Does it also seem like it might be a bit of a challenging time? What to do next? Who do you spend time with, do you go to university, should you work, how about travel? Not very much is scripted for you anymore.
This week I reflected on my time after graduation. Although I started on my path and headed off to university after high school, that path changed direction four times before I found myself behind the wheel of a police car having the time of my life. Looking back, that was normal and healthy. Even when we try things out that donʼt pan out, we work towards the best path for us. Sometimes, we only discover our gifts and abilities after taking different and unexpected roads.
Speaking of getting behind the wheel, did you know thatʼs right where you are now? For much of your life, you have been in the passenger seat. Your life has been structured for you by parents and school. Now, the steering wheel is being handed to you! Donʼt forget to move over and grab on! We watch some peopleʼs lives and it is like they never got out of the passenger seat. Everything happens to them, rather than because of them. They are along for the ride in someone elseʼs life. Every path you now take will impact your life as you decide what to do. Sometimes the road will be a little rocky! But if you make positive choices and keep thinking about where you want to be, you can steer your way to success! Make your life something you know, in your own heart, is worthwhile. Graduating from high school is a major accomplishment. We are very proud of you. May you have the life you were meant to have as you go forward!
Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. Make your life extraordinary!
