Speech given by Brandon Walker '09
Carleton College Commencement, June 13, 2009

When asked to deliver a speech that best highlighted our colorful experiences here at Carleton – I couldn’t help but think about this idea of disruption…

In my view – disruption molds the foundation on which life is cemented.

In the fall of 2005 we embarked on a journey that would disrupt all for which we stood for the remainder of our lives. As an eighteen-year-old boy veiled by post-Katrina insecurity—my life had been disrupted by a natural disaster that flooded much more than the eye could see.

This disruptive uncertainty inspired us to embrace all that Carleton embodies—creativity in all that one accomplishes… colorful variations in the ideas that one cultivates… an impassioned sincerity for all with whom one forms an acquaintance… and hope for all things that bring about some sense of good in the world.

Amid roommate contracts—Apples-to-Apples—and David Hecht’s belly flop—we unpacked—and with humbled hearts-- watched as New Orleans fought feverishly for resuscitation. Later that year we attempted to unpack the numerous mysteries which spiced Katrina’s Fury during our daylong Katrina symposium.

These active engagements didn’t stop there. As a budding journalist—words cannot express how fascinated I was by your disruptive passion during this past election season. You actively campaigned for your candidates of choice—and engaged even the most fluent politico with queries that made them think about why they do… what they do.

My friends—disruption drives our yearning to learn more. Okay – I’ll admit, the previous statement cuddles closely with the cliché. However, it’s true. Carleton has equipped us with the tools to become disruptive forces in an evolving world. It has become our obligation to shake things up and blaze a path of independence, a yellow brick road of sorts that not only leads us to self-discovery, but also fosters a critical eye capable of questioning the unquestioned—and tackling it dead on.

It has become our obligation to be forces of disruption amid a sea of complacency. We must take a stand for all in which we believe. Even if that entails standing alone.

However, we must caution ourselves. Although dogged chaos has immense potential to beget change, our actions must have meaning. Idealism isn’t enough. Choose your battles.

My friends—make it a fantastically disruptive life of inexhaustible courage for the present—hope for the future—and—compassion for all things that embrace our many worlds of difference.