ADAM GRADUATES

Dear Son,

I'm having a difficult time expressing in words just how incredibly proud I am to be your father. The truth is that as much as I've tried to teach and guide you through the years, I have learned more from you then I could ever imagine.

You have taught me patience and that there is more than one road to get to your destination. I truly can't wait to see what you do next. So as you get ready to graduate, I wanted to share some thoughts with you for your future:

1. Open your mind to new opportunities - Be willing to meet new people and learn from different perspectives. I was fortunate to learn this when I went to College, and then did the Disney College Program. My life was forever changed because I traveled and met new people from across the country. This includes your mother. We came from different backgrounds, and had different perspectives on life. We learn from each other.

2. Make Mistakes - Part of opening your mind to new opportunities is making mistakes. Like in basketball, you will miss more shots than you make. But you have to accept that you will miss some shots, and keep shooting. Take some risks and try new things. You will fall, but I know, that you will always get up.

3. No Regrets - There's a difference between mistakes and regrets. Follow your instincts and make your choices with confidence. You don't want to look back and "wish" you would have followed your gut. You're smart, don't be afraid to follow your heart. It's better to try and fail, than to always wonder "what if".

4. Admit when you're wrong - This is important not only for others, but for yourself. First, when you admit your mistakes to others, you actually gain respect. Second, for yourself, the ability to course correct is tremendous. Some people are so stubborn that they will continue to go down the wrong path, even though they know deep down inside that they are headed for a dead-end. Great leaders can show others that it's ok to be wrong, as long as we learn from our mistakes.

5. Fall in love - There's a reason they call it "falling in love". True love doesn't make any sense. It's not some math equation. God will bring people in and out of your life, but the "one" will be someone that you least expect. All of a sudden, despite your differences, you will find that you can't stop thinking about this person. Don't let logic get in the way of a good love story. Your Mom gave up a full ride scholarship and moved to Florida with just $500 to be with a guy who just lost his job. Neither of us were ready, but it happened. I am forever grateful that we followed our hearts, because it brought us you and your sister.

Finally, don't forget to have fun and smile every day. Don't take life too seriously. Comedy is all around us. There's room for both Church and South Park. Smiles are contagious, share your smile with the World and make it a better place. Your Dad loves you and will always be there for you.