When I was asked to speak at graduation for ITT Technical Institute, I was truly honored. To me, a graduation ceremony is more than the receipt of an academic degree or diploma marking the completion of studies. Graduation is the beginning of a new chapter in a persons life -- one with unlimited possibilities.

At least once a week, I can be heard saying to someone that education is also the great equalizer -- that which knows no boundries of race, sex, religion or nationality. It has the power to change someone's life for the better and can never be taken away.

I receive emails and letters about my motivational speeches and how they have inspired an individual to recognize the possibilities in their life but I knew this was going to be different. I told the graduates that while I wasn't qualified to talk about the future of technology or what career opportunities there will be in the field of electronics, Information Technology or Drafting and Design, I was qualified to talk about leadership. I shared the importance of having a mission statement to provide direction in life and challenged them to make it meaningful.

In the middle of my speech, I said the following, "You are the only one with your life. You may meet other people along your journey with your degree, however, there is only one person that can see what you see, feel what you feel and do what you can do the way you do it. No one else has your very special life." This is true for all of us. What will be the legacy you leave?