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Reading, writing, and arithmetic. These words describe the basic elements of a liberal arts education, and together they are collectively known as the the 3 R’s of education. As we conclude our undergraduate education here at the University of Michigan, I thought I’d suggest 3 more R’s that we may want to consider as wetransition into our lives after college. The first R is Risk. The life and times we live in are highly uncertain. In fact,the only true constant in life is change. Even still, your life, and what you choose todo with it is totally up to you. Choose to be bold. Choose the road less travelled. Trust your instincts and just do it. While I was in Europe during my semester abroad,I took part in what could be considered the 21
st
century’s version of hitchhiking. Idecided to join an online community of travelers in which random strangers wouldopen their homes to me and let me sleep on their couch. Aside from a picture andperhaps a couple of sentences on their profile describing themselves, I truly had noidea what I was in for or what to expect. The anticipation was always the mostnerve-racking right before I knocked on their door and convinced myself that I wasabout to come face-to-face with an axe murderer. But each time, the people and theexperiences I had were incredible, life changing, and unforgettable. I wouldn’t havehad it any other way. This brings us to the next R, Relationships. My Facebook account indicatesthat I have formed over 500 friendships since arriving here as a freshman. Justimagine how many people we are likely to meet and interact with over the next fouryears of our lives when the entire world is at our disposal? Our world is trulybecoming flatter and smaller every day. However, as we move deeper and deeperinto the information age, it will be our responsibility to realize that behind everyemail, behind every text, even behind every tweet, there is a human being withfeelings, emotions, hopes and desires and we should all strive to treat each otherwell, by listening, understanding, and responding in the same manner we would liketo be treated. The final R is for Reflection. For the past week, I have had the privilege of showing my father around our university. Unfortunately, prior to this week, myfather had never really experienced Ann Arbor or the University of Michigan itself. You see, he spends most of his time in Johannesburg, South Africa and the 20 hourflight and subzero temperatures have somehow managed to discourage an earliervisit. However, showing him my school and the life I have formed here has beenincredibly fulfilling. I was so proud to show him this beautiful campus, introduce himto some friends, or simply share memories from the past four years.Today punctuates the end of a truly incredible chapter in all of our lives. So, just as with any good book, take a moment and think about what has happened.Remember the settings, the key events, and the important characters that haveshaped the story to this point, and as your story continues, I wish you all the
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