Since many of this blog’s readers are students I want to take a moment to congratulate you on your graduation from law school.  I recognize that the downturn in the economy has had a dramatic affect on many of your post graduation employment plans, and nobody signed up for graduating with a heavy debt with the burden of a job search in the most difficult legal economy in 80 years.  When speaking with students about their plans I have come to a firm belief that in a strange way this situation may be a blessing in disguise – you now have permission to chase your dreams instead of the paycheck.  No one will question your choice.  

Last night when I was listening to President Obama’s commencement address here at Arizona State, it reminded me of when I decided to chase my dream to become a law professor.  It was soul nourishing – I could help people learn a profession where they can then help others – and it is through those students that I might be able to help make the world a little bit better of a place.  I speak for many law professors when I say that is why we are in this profession and are so grateful to have the opportunity to have you in our classes.  On behalf of my colleagues throughout the country, thank you graduates for allowing us to have that opportunity. 

President Obama said something along the lines of what I’ve just said, but he said it a little differently and, naturally, said it much more eloquently than I ever could.  So I leave you with his words from last night.    

I’m talking about an approach to life – a quality of mind and heart.  A willingness to follow your passions, regardless of whether they lead to fortune and fame. A willingness to question conventional wisdom and rethink the old dogmas. A lack of regard for all the traditional markers of status and prestige – and a commitment instead to doing what is meaningful to you, what helps others, what makes a difference in this world. . . . And that’s not just how you’ll ensure that your own life is well-lived. It’s how you’ll make a difference in the life of this nation

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I know starting your careers in troubled times is a challenge. But it is also a privilege. Because it is moments like these that force us to try harder, to dig deeper, to discover gifts we never knew we had – to find the greatness that lies within each of us. So don’t ever shy away from that endeavor. Don’t ever stop adding to your body of work. I can promise that you will be the better for that continued effort, as will this nation that we all love.