John,

Like many of you, I have a new graduate in the family. As I reflect on what graduation means for students and their families, I’d like to share some virtual commencement thoughts with you and the young people who are crossing the milestone of graduation from high school or college this year.

Whatever you decide to do with your life – strive to do it well, and make a difference.

This may sound esoteric, but bear with me. Based on everything known to science, this fragile blue planet of ours is the only place in the entire universe that sustains intelligent life. It only turned out that way because of myriad cosmic events that aligned to create just the right conditions, in just the right place, at just the right times. Now fast forward to our parents, who had hundreds of millions of different genetic combinations they could have produced in their children.

You and I beat some daunting odds just to exist.

Rather than feel insignificant in the face of such vastness and statistical improbability, I find it very meaningful. Here we are, by accident or design, keepers of this one and only thread of life and humanity. If we appreciate what we are part of, then whatever we choose to do with our lives, we should be inspired to do it well. We should also want to do our part in caring for this planet and the life it sustains. Our lives are both an incredible opportunity and a special responsibility.

I view my work in Congress in that context, especially my efforts to confront climate change and protect our environment. Whatever your passion, whatever professional or academic path you choose, please think about this bigger picture as you go forward – and make it count.

Even in big historic moments, change often comes incrementally. So don’t give up.

This generation has the advantage of living through two momentous presidencies – the intellectual, history-making Barack Obama; and the extraordinarily narcissistic and reckless Donald Trump. Within a few short years, Americans were whipsawed as soaring ideals of racial reconciliation and social justice crashed into the ugliness of racism, bigotry, vitriol and violence.

You’ve seen how big things can change and then be undone just as quickly. Progress is rarely a straight line. It spikes, dips, and meanders. Never give up. And be patient. Because if you keep pushing, the arc of the moral universe will, as Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, bend toward justice.

Be a good steward of the Earth. We only have one.

But sometimes, you have to be impatient. With a looming, existential threat like the climate crisis, winning slowly won’t cut it – it’s the same thing as losing. There may have been a time when my generation could have solved it incrementally, but we failed to take those actions while we still could. Now it’s up to your generation and mine to tackle this work together with extreme urgency. Denial, procrastination or despair are not options. Not if we care about sustaining the only known refuge of intelligent life in the universe.

Starting right now, each of us must do whatever we can to help eliminate carbon pollution and preserve a livable planet, and we must sustain that effort for the rest of our lives.

Vote! Protect our democracy.

Having a democratic republic requires care and feeding. Ours has lasted 245 years, but we learned on January 6th, 2021 how fragile it is. Democracy can be destroyed by the forces of extremism, disinformation, division and violence – things that were normalized and stoked during the Trump presidency. The antidote to this ugliness that infects our political system and public discourse is decent, thoughtful people like you staying engaged and doing your part.

Your vote matters. American democracy is one of the best things humanity ever created. Take care of it, and never take it for granted.

When all else fails: Stand up and speak out.

In recent years, the radical conservative agenda has taken aim at many of our core American values, as evidenced by the recent attacks on women’s reproductive rights. This threat is real and it's growing. When fundamental rights are threatened, there’s no room for negotiation. We have come too far to let a radical minority drag our nation backwards and I will do everything possible to prevent that from happening.

When you are confronted with a clear moral challenge where right and wrong are at stake, I hope you will stand up and speak out.

Class of 2022, you know better than anyone that the world can change overnight, so my final advice is to remember to enjoy your life every day, including the things that matter most: your family and true friends. Be advised that the years will start passing faster as you get older, and before you know it you'll be celebrating graduates of your own, and hopefully reflecting on how your graduation set you on course for a productive, purposeful and rewarding life.

Congratulations! We are all very proud of you.

Jared

P.S. My last bit of advice is a repeat: Vote! It really matters. California’s primary election is June 7th and now is a great time to mail in your ballot. I’ve got five opponents in my reelection campaign for the 2nd Congressional District, so I need your help and would be honored by your vote!

 

Congressman Jared Huffman represents California's 2nd District, which spans from the Golden Gate Bridge north to the Oregon border. As a Democratic leader, Jared is committed to protecting our environment, fighting for access to affordable healthcare and equality for all Americans. Click here to support Jared's campaign with a contribution today, or sign on to become a sustaining supporter by making a monthly contribution.