Reasons tells Fatima grads to not fear change

By Edward Gehlert
Posted 5/12/21

Fatima nurse Lynn Reasons, who graduated from Fatima in 2002 and has been in her position since 2018, told graduates Sunday that it’s important to overcome adversity and not be afraid if plans …

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Reasons tells Fatima grads to not fear change

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Fatima nurse Lynn Reasons, who graduated from Fatima in 2002 and has been in her position since 2008, told graduates Sunday that it’s important to overcome adversity and not be afraid if plans change to reflect a different life than the one they think they want.
“While I loved growing up in Westphalia, this was the last place I planned to end up when I mapped out my life as I sat in your very seats a short 19 years ago,” said Reasons. “To be working here as the nurse was definitely not on my list of dreams. All the failed plans, achieved goals, and unpredictable events have led me back home to an incredible life I am grateful for. Not close to the life I wanted, but better. Since graduating from high school, I have become an unfortunate expert at a few things: dreaming big, failing often, working hard, and overcoming.”
Reasons commended the class on overcoming events of the past 15 months surrounding COVID-19 and the tragic loss of classmate Caden Jones Haslag.
“What you’ve gone through has been nothing short of devastating,” said Reasons. “You’ve been faced with pivot upon pivot, disappointment, and opportunity for triumph at every turn. You’ve lost a treasured classmate, for some of you, your best friend. You’ve lost dads, grandparents, and loved ones through this already trying time. You’ve faced obstacles I wish no one your age would have to face. Despite it all, because of it all, you’ve inspired us. There will be days ahead that take your breath away. That will make you better. Savor those days. Though sometimes difficult, they are so packed full of meaning.”
Having a sense of who you are and being the best person possible was a key point that Reasons spoke about in her address to graduates.
“Figuring out who we are not is the first step to figuring out who we are,” Reasons advised. “What are your non-negotiables when it comes to what you pour your time into? How can you add impacts to others' lives? You can choose to be a wise leader. You can choose to leave the world a better place. You can choose to work hard, regardless of the praise. You can choose to be kind, even when you don’t feel like it because you are capable and you are here. And we all have so much to do and so much to learn, no matter how old we get.”
Having the courage to be yourself is also important.
“Always be courageous enough to be daring and show the world who you are. Have the courage to be imperfect,” said Reasons. “We eventually learn to either have the tenacity to be ourselves or continue hiding behind a facade to please the crowd, to fit in, to be received. You all have been blessed with unique gifts to offer the world. Make sure you know what yours are because you have more gifts than you have recognized. Share them with others.”
Finding value and understanding in differences between each other was another factor for a happy life according to Reasons.
“Take with you the power of exploring the differences the world and relationships have to offer,” she said. “You don't have to change who you are because you explore differences in those you encounter, but you will grow like you never thought possible when you open your mind and heart to people who are not like you and you learn to work beside them. Love them, respect them because they help magnify your gifts. Embrace what you love about them, respect what you don’t. Be kind and recognize the value that accepting and loving those who are not like you can add to your life.”
Reasons warned the graduating class about the danger of comparing themselves to others.
“Don’t compare yourself to your peers,” Reasons said. “Compare the you now to the you a month ago, a year ago. Look down the road at who you hope to become and devise a plan to become that incredible person that's already within you while baby-stepping your way there.”
Reasons offered some last bits of advice on how outgoing seniors can lead fulfilling lives.
“Read all the books you can get your hands on,” said Reasons. “There's always someone that's become an expert at the things we want to become better at. Find them, read their works, emulate their practices daily, and you will crush your goals. Drink all the water all day long and eat something green every day. The 30-something-year-old version of yourself will thank you, I promise. Move your body somehow every day. Get to the gym, go for a run. If you're sad, get outside. If you're happy, get outside. If you feel lost or at a crossroad, take a walk alone and sit. Reflect. Talk to God, or yourself, or whoever is in your heart. You’ll come out with a clearer mind every time.”
One of her final messages to the class was about hope and remembering to look for the good.
“Keep finding those rainbows, guys,” said Reasons. “I’ve heard all about the way Caden sends them to you. Never stop believing.”
Reasons was introduced by Class Secretary Lydia Rose Hurst.
Class President Allison Irene Hale encouraged her fellow graduates by speaking about the years of hard work, accomplishments, friendships, and fun the class had shared along with asking classmates who they wanted to be.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Hale asked. “Before you start to feel overwhelmed by the weight of the tassel on your shoulders, ask yourself who you want to be. What do you want to matter the most? What do you strive to stand for, no matter what?
“High school offered us many opportunities that taught us important lessons about how to be successful individuals both within ourselves and our future careers,” Hale continued. “When you grow up, be hardworking, but don't let your work keep you from seeing what is important. Just like a diploma, a paycheck is just an expensive piece of paper, but your relationships are what we value most at the end of the workday. Be humble. That tassel is proof that nothing we accomplish is done solely on our own, Choose to be a team player and good sportsmen when we grow up. And for those of us that felt out of place, high school is not the height of life and the best is yet to come.
“Be brave and unafraid to stand for something,” Hale added. “Always be true to yourself and what you believe, but seek the one truth no matter what the rest of the world is trying to tell you. Be resilient and determined when faced with challenges. Learn to embrace failures and use them as learning opportunities. Never grow out of being thankful for the past, happy in the present, and hopeful for the future.”
Senior Class Vice President Connor Kremer thanked faculty, staff, friends, and family for providing unending support in preparing graduates for all of their upcoming ventures and spoke on the achievement of receiving diplomas.
“Our shared dream of high school graduation is finally coming to fruition,” said Kremer. “As we follow our dreams it is vital to recognize all of the struggles we have overcome and use that experience to better ourselves.”
Superintendent Chuck Woody recognized the school board members and thanked them for the hard work they have done before praising the graduating class for overcoming the hardships of the past year.
“This class in front of me has a very bright future before it,” said Woody. “They have endured pandemics and learning in a virtual format that was new to all of us. I challenge this class to continue to learn, be innovative, and make a difference. The memories, along with the impact you have made here, will last a lifetime. I wish each of you the very best and, remember, you will always be a Comet.”
High School Principal Sharyl Kelsch also thanked the 2021 graduates for how they handled the challenges of their final year.
“To the class of 2021, here you are,” said Kelsch. “We all made it but what a year it has been. We started this year like a lot of others excited about what was to come, nervous about the new things that might happen, and unsure about what to expect. But let me tell you, I could have never have expected what this year has brought. We survived numerous quarantines, mask mandates, and social distancing. Through it all, we managed to fit in as many events as we could. I want to thank you for being so flexible and doing what we needed to do so that we could have a successful year. Thank you for your patience and your understanding when the things that were the most important to you were being canceled and postponed. I want to thank you for your leadership to the younger students. You have shown grace, determination, and energy throughout your activities here.”
Kelsch presented the top 10% of the student class, which included co-valedictorians Leah Groene, Kennedy Holzschuh, Claire Koenigsfeld, Emma Luebbering, and Natalie Samson, co-salutatorians Hannah Buechler, Connor Kremer, Claire Nilges, Rachel Temmen, and Lucy Williams.
Kelsch recognized two students that had confirmed and made their decision to enlist in the United States military after graduation. Jayce Broker will be joining the United States Army and Blake Wiles will be joining the National Guard.