My son graduated from Los Altos High in 2000, after having attended Mt View public elementary and junior high schools. He was a commencement speaker at his Cal Berkeley graduation in 2004, and received master's degrees just last week from both Harvard and MIT. Good things happen from our local schools, and I wish every student the best future they can make for themselves. What I heard in last week's many commencement speeches I attended is that social responsibility is huge for every major, greed is out, giving and doing good are in. Women in leadership is also encouraged and rewarded. The most important thing I got from my brief time in that wonderful environment is how easily students got along. They see each other as collaborators and as useful resources. Networking is strong. So to all of you new graduates, wherever you hail from, BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. And congratulations!

I am an LAHS alumni. 2 years prior to graduating college in 2002, I saw many of my graduating classmates receving signing bonuses and multiple job offers. This was not the case when I entered the workforce in 2002. My advice, go to college, apply for internships, volunteer, travel, try many different things before you settle on a career. I also encourage the youth to look into working in the public sector. Keep your eyes, ears and options open. Good luck to you all!!!