(The following is the graduation speech written by Mineola High School Class of 2004 salutatorian Sandra Fernandes and valedictorian Jean Hwang.) Welcome fellow graduates, parents, relatives, distinguished guests, teachers, and administrators. Generations of students have stood before their graduating classes sharing their visions and words of wisdom and we are expected to do the same. However, instead of drilling the familiar, age-old advice into the minds of our fellow graduates, we would like to impart just a few small reminders before we embark into the real world. Up until now, we have either shared everyday chores with our siblings or, luckily enough, have had our parents bail us out in times when we were too lazy. However, life will hit us all too hard when we find that we must support ourselves without the constant nagging reminders of our parents. For many, the simple task of putting the dirty laundry inside the hamper instead of leaving it strewn about the bedroom is a challenge in itself. Now, fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, our parents will no longer be there to remind us to pick up after ourselves. Please do yourself (as well as your roommate) a favor and do not let the pile of laundry grow ever so higher and rot underneath your bed or in the corner of your room. And just because we might be doing our own grocery shopping doesn't necessarily entitle us to parade up and down the junk food aisle free from all inhibitions. As much as we are tempted, we have to remember that it is unwise to indulge in all our cravings, such as the unhealthy temptation to procrastinate. Sandra and I know, firsthand, the deadly consequences that afflict us as a result of procrastination. You would think that after years of leaving papers and projects to the last possible minute, we would have learned the crucial lesson of time management. Somehow, we have, time and time again, failed to follow through with the sworn promises to ourselves that we would never procrastinate again. We know that in the future, we will have to go against our creed of procrastination and work diligently if we wish to succeed. Perhaps the reason that many of us procrastinate is because we fear the amount of work that lies before us. However, we must realize that with work comes positive results. In the words of the famous inventor, Thomas Edison, "Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." So, do not be intimidated by the amount of work that you will have. If you put the greatest amount of time and effort into your work, you will be surprised by what great opportunities may come your way. Although we may all not necessarily agree, there are certain forms of work that are actually enjoyable and particular to each person. It is important to search for what sparks the greatest interest in each of us, whether it be by going to college to study our individual majors, serving the country in the armed forces, or gaining firsthand experience in the work field. No matter what other people may say to sway you in another direction, remember that the most important thing is to be happy by what you have personally accomplished. Only you can measure the success and satisfaction that you achieve in life. And of course, what is life without play? In order to maintain your own personal sanity, some time should be put aside to live life a little. In the end, we would like to remind the graduating class of 2004 that in order to personally succeed in the real world, you must not be afraid to work, make sure you love what you do, and never forget to have fun. Best of luck to the class of 2004!