Good luck to the class of 2016. You were babies when this country was attacked by radicals back in 2001 and you and those older than you have learned to live not so much in fear but in a cautious manner. It seems like we can trust no one, which makes it hard to live a joyous life sometimes.

Your parents may have also struggled through the recession of 2008 but the economy is looking up.

On the bright side, you have experienced three World Series championships by the Boston Red Sox, four Super Bowl championships by the New England Patriots, one Stanley Cup won by the Boston Bruins and one NBA championship by the Boston Celtics. A little spoiled, are we?

Over your high school years, you've experienced highs and lows, which is much like life in the adult world. I have heard a lot of comments this past week about what you, the graduate, should do when you leave the hallowed halls of your school. Perhaps the most important piece of advice I've heard is "Life is what you make it." It's true. Your attitude, your character and your work ethic has a lot to do with success. And success isn't always making a lot of money or gathering material things. Success is what you want out of life, what makes you the happiest.

So again, good luck. We have watched you grow into adults and wish the very best for you, like we have the first journey of your life to this point. Stay safe and be what you want to be.