[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S5105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     VIRGINIA TECH'S CLASS OF 2000

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, yesterday, I inserted into the 
Congressional Record the speeches of two graduates from Virginia Tech 
University who addressed their class during its commencement ceremonies 
last month. During the commencement ceremony, at which I had the 
privilege of also speaking with the Class of 2000, I listened to the 
eloquent and inspiring speeches of three Virginia Tech students, Class 
President Lauren Esleeck, Graduate Student Representative Timothy Wayne 
Mays, and Class Treasurer Rush K. Middleton. Yesterday, I inserted Ms. 
Esleeck's and Mr. Middleton's speeches into the Congressional Record. I 
have now obtained a copy of Mr. Mays' speech, and it is my pleasure to 
ask that a copy of his speech also be printed in the Record.

                Graduation Speech by Timothy Wayne Mays

       Good morning. I'd like to begin with a brief story that I 
     recently read that illustrates the theme of my message today. 
     A successful business executive and former University of 
     Alabama football player was asked ``what was the first thing 
     coach Paul Bear Bryant said to you and the other scholarship 
     athletes after arriving on campus.'' Surprisingly, at the 
     first team meeting, Coach Bryant asked the group ``Have you 
     called your folks yet to thank them?'' After hearing those 
     words, the players looked confused--most had their mouths 
     open. They looked at one another with disbelief. Apparently, 
     not one of them had anticipated this question. These freshman 
     athletes had been on campus less than 24 hours, but they 
     already had their first lesson in team productivity. No one 
     in the room that day had acknowledged having called home with 
     a word of thanks. What was the essence of the lesson? Coach 
     Bryant followed up his initial question with a second 
     statement. ``No one ever got to this level without the help 
     of others. Call your folks. Thank them.'' [from The 
     Millionaire Mind (Stanley, 2000)]
       When I was asked to speak at today's graduation ceremony, I 
     kind of struggled with what I wanted to talk about, but 
     preparing this speech gave me the opportunity to reflect on 
     how I got to this point in my life. And the main thing that 
     stood out to me was the significant influence that certain 
     individuals have had on my life. In some way or another, 
     these people gave me a chance or an opportunity that I would 
     not have had otherwise. Now some of these people are, of 
     course, my parents and other family members who have given me 
     a chance by raising me in a safe, loving, and spiritual 
     environment. In the most challenging times of my life, their 
     prayers and support have helped me stand strong, or 
     sometimes, just make it through.
       In a different way, some of the people who have most 
     significantly influenced my life are friends, teachers, and 
     even just acquaintances that have taken an interest in me for 
     some reason or another. They have given me the guidance and 
     motivation that I need to succeed. As a recent example, when 
     I came to Virginia Tech, I wasn't sure what type of 
     structural engineering work I wanted to do after graduation. 
     Over the last four years, Dr. Tom Murray, in the Civil 
     Engineering department here at Virginia Tech, has helped me 
     find the specific type of work that I will enjoy. I will 
     surely remember his help in the years to come when I wake up 
     every morning happy to go to work. Also, it was Dr. Ray Plaut 
     who took a personal interest in me during my college visit 
     and brought me here to Virginia Tech. Everything that I have 
     accomplished here at Virginia Tech would have been impossible 
     without his help and guidance over the last four years. The 
     truth of the matter is this: Had some of these people not 
     entered my life, I definitely would not be here speaking 
     today.
       As graduates of this great university, we really do have so 
     much for which to be proud. However, I challenge each of you 
     to take the time to reflect on the individuals who have 
     helped you get to this place in your life, and to personally 
     thank them for taking an interest in you.
       At this chapter in our life comes to an end, a new chapter 
     begins, and one of the most exciting things to think about is 
     the new people we will meet and the impact they will have on 
     our lives. More importantly though, I hope that we can be 
     influential people in others lives. By always recognizing the 
     impact that other people have had on us, I believe that we 
     can. Thank you very much and God bless.

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