Looking Beyond the Reef at Marianas High School
I had the honor of speaking to the graduating Class of 2026 at Marianas High School during a commencement ceremony that came just weeks after one of the most difficult periods our islands have faced in recent memory. My message to the graduates was simple: do not let where you come from determine how big you are allowed to dream. I shared the story of an MHS student who wrote a letter to Elon Musk, not because success was guaranteed, but because he was willing to ask, willing to imagine a different possibility, and willing to hear "no." We talked about innovation, technology, and the opportunities available to a generation entering a world changing faster than ever before. Most of all, we talked about perspective. Our islands have always been shaped by the reef, but our future will depend on our willingness to look beyond it and toward the horizon. Congratulations again to the Marianas High School Class of 2026. Dream big, take your shot, and never let a small place create small dreams.