“Sandy has a broad understanding of the full spectrum of issues that she will be faced in the Legislature. She is not a one-issue candidate. She has an amazing depth of understanding of the issues”
Roslyn Hjermstad, Cannon Falls Township
Commencement Speech
given to
Maginnis High School Correctional Facility Graduates
Red Wing MN
July, 2007
Good morning. I want to thank you for inviting me here today. This is truly an honor and great opportunity to address such a select group of young men.
As graduates you are joining the ranks of the first democratically-elected President of South Africa. He is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the recipient of more than 50 honorary degrees from places like Harvard College. I’m speaking of Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison.
You are here today graduating because you made a conscious effort to change for the better. It’s quite an achievement and I’m proud of you all for taking the most important first step to your future.
Today, I’d like to share with you a few tips so that as you move forward, you continue making progress in any direction you set yourself. To use the words of Eccleciasticus, “Set a straight course and keep to it, and do not be dismayed in the face of adversity.”
Tip #1: Continue good habits.
Nelson Mandela wrote an autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom.” The years in jail reinforced habits—disciplined eating, an early morning exercise routine, and time management. He was punctual because he felt that it showed respect to others. To this day he does these things. These habits helped him then and they help him now.
Reading about Nelson Mandela’s habits caused me to reflect on my own teenage years. I hung out with a group of five other girls. By the time we were 17, I was the only one left in high school. One dropped out and had a baby, one came to a place like this for girls, one ran away, two went to work and just continued to hang out.
What is it that distinguished me from the others? Well, for one thing, my parents had a strict curfew. I had to be in the house by 10:30, and if I broke my curfew, there were consequences. It didn’t occur to me until rather late in the game that my friends got in trouble after 10:30 p.m. So, please, continue the good habits you were taught here.
Tip #2. Stay out of the loser box.
Continue working to become comfortable with who you are. It’s another simple, unsophisticated fact that works wonders. When you are faced with outer turmoil, try to practice inner strength.
This is the first year that I have been asked to speak here. Why? Well, presumably because I’m a winner, right? I’m a State Representative. Can you imagine the Director introducing me as a two-time loser? It’s true, but people don’t like to talk about failure, or associate with losers.
What I’m referring to is this. Last year I ran for the third time to win this seat. During the first two tries, I had to practice inner strength. By that I mean I refused to let people put me in a box: the loser’s box. And I had to practice not putting myself in the loser’s box, too. So, for example, when someone would say something mean spirited to me, I would consciously say to myself, “Don’t step in that box.” It helped me, and I hope a simple trick like this can help you, too.
Tip #3: Practice compassion.
Inner strength is the capacity not simply to endure, but to give. I believe compassion is superior to power. Yes. Ninety nine times out of a hundred, when I’m feeling down, it’s because I have lost that focus of giving to others. Do not look for what you can get: look rather for what you have been given, and for what you can give. Care for others.
Again, congratulation. I’m so proud of you all. Keep up the good habits you have learned here and elsewhere. Continue good habits, stay out of the loser box, and care for others. Go out and help make this world a better place as you go about finding your place in the world. Embrace the journey that is before you. Thank you.
Sandy Wollschlager, July 2007
