Spring 2001.
After 3 years of trials and tribulations, I was in a great place. I was getting my law degree from Florida State University College of Law. I had never thought that me being an attorney would be a THING but here I was. My mom and grandmother were there. My dad and my brothers came up. My frat brothers were there as well as a few friends. It was great.
Yet, the thing I remember most was being told that we were told to NOT do anything disruptive when we walked across the stage. This event was a solemn event and we were to respect the gravity and significance of the day. In other words, ‘Don’t act a FOOL on stage or you will be embarrassed.’.
For me, this presented a unique challenge. I was so excited. I was so elated. I was so happy to have been in this unique position in my life. I am graduating law school. You only graduate from something once and I didn’t want to let this moment pass me by without some expression of my joy.
Yet, how would I do it? How can I express this powerful feeling of excitement in a forum designed to be a somber yet fulfilling experience.
As I stood in line, my mind raced as I contemplated the countless things I could do that would give me a chance to display my joy. I couldn’t just WALK across the stage. I had to do something. I had to do anything. What could I do??
And then it hit me.
Every student has an index card with their name on it. As you walk up to the stage, you hand your card to an announcer. You then walk to a certain point, wait and then the announcer announces your name as you walk towards a professor who confers your doctorate drape across your shoulders.
The Announcer from our ceremony was Professor Charles Ehrhardt. Professor Ehrhardt is a legend in the Florida legal community due to his contributions to the Rules of Evidence. Aside from his reputation, he was also known for having a BOOMING VOICE (Think Michael Buffett “Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!”).
So, when he went to introduce everyone, he would say each part of your name slowly, loudly, and methodically with a dramatic emphasis on each part of your name.
So after I handed him my index card, I stood at the designated spot with my head bowed and my hands clasped together as if I was praying. And as he called my name, I did IT in slow motion:
ANTHONY (Slowly opened my hands and raised my head)
RAY (Slowly pulled my left hand to my side, slowly raised my left leg, and slowly extended my right hand away from my body)
REEVES (BOOM - The HEISMAN TROPHY POSE)
Yep, the crowd laughed (even Professor Ehrhardt). Walked across the stage. Got conferred. Mission accomplished and NO consequences.
In life, you’re going to be challenged to find your own uniqueness. It will be a challenge you may or may not accept but remember, it is a challenge you can conquer.
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