It is the time of year where graduation speeches abound, usually having practical wisdom and sound guidance with universal applications.
In other words, it is usually good advice no matter where you live or work.
But what message do Arkansas graduates need to hear the most?
Isn't an Arkansas perspective in order?
Perhaps.
Because an Arkansas perspective of the world can be both good and bad.
It is good in that Arkansas is a great place to grow up.
It is bad because when we go somewhere else we sometimes forget that others may not have the benefit of an Arkansas upbringing.
It is good because in practically all of Arkansas you do not have the problems associated with large urban areas.
It is bad in that sometimes we don't understand the struggles of our fellow Americans who call the city home.
It is good in that we can savor and enjoy good barbecue, fried chicken, fried catfish, and chicken-fried steak.
It is bad because we may not gain from a healthy Mediterranean diet that some might have in (dare we say?) places like California.
It is good that no matter where you live in Arkansas, you probably know something about working on the farm, working on the car, working with animals, or working in the garden.
It is bad in that... well, why is that bad? Good old-fashioned work outside can be good for the mind, good for the heart, and good for the soul. Maybe there is no downside.
Or maybe there is, depending on how we look at it. As we take pride in our "outdoorsiness" there is a danger in taking it too far, perhaps even to the point of acting like we have no need at all for good literature, upscale dining, orchestra music, or other cultural refinements.
Yes, there is indeed a virtue in not being afraid to get our hands dirty, but if we scorn the idea of learning and growing and experiencing new things, life can be out of balance, and maybe even unfulfilled.
An Arkansas perspective is good because we can enjoy the beauty of the hills as well as the attractiveness of crops in the field in the Arkansas delta in June.
An Arkansas perspective is good because if we pay attention, we can always have the benefit of a culture and a mindset that values honesty and hard work and a sense of achievement.
It is good because in Arkansas our perspective is developed by associating with some of the most down-to-earth people on the planet.
It is good that if one grows up in a stable home in Arkansas, he or she just might be better prepared to face life than almost anyone else.
If we do fail as Arkansans, it might be in how we view the world outside of the state. When we go to other parts of the country and other parts of the world and assume that everybody should simply adopt the Arkansas way of life, well, that doesn't always work.
We would be far better off to appreciate the unique attributes of other places while allowing our Arkansas background to keep us grounded and solid.
So to the Arkansas grads of 2016, enjoy yourself wherever you go.
But remember where you came from.
DAVID WILSON, EdD, GREW UP IN ARKANSAS AND HAS WORKED 27 YEARS IN EDUCATION IN MISSOURI. HE IS MOVING TO NWA BECAUSE HE HAS SEVERAL ARKANSAS TIES. HE IS A WRITER, CONSULTANT AND PRESENTER. EMAIL HIM AT [email protected].
Editorial on 05/18/2016