To all of you, my call is to make service to others a way of life. Wherever you live, whatever you do, find a way to give back to your communities. And however you choose to serve, youre going to learn a great lesson, that the more you give, the more youll benefit.
A culture of responsibility means contributing to our civic life. I ask you to be citizens, not spectators, and help to build a nation of virtue and character. You could strengthen our country by participating in the democratic process. In recent years, weve seen millions of people in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Georgia and Ukraine risk their lives for the right to cast a ballot. These courageous people should inspire us to take our votes just as seriously. I know the democratic spirit is alive in our country because there was a big vote recently -- the new American Idol got about 55 million votes. (Laughter.) I hope we see even a bigger turnout this November. For some of you, this will be your first presidential election. I ask you to get involved in the process, and do your duty and vote. By the way, if youre wondering who to vote for, the Governor and I would be happy to offer a few suggestions. (Laughter.)
You can strengthen our country by showing fiscal discipline in your lives. It may sound funny coming from a visitor from Washington, D.C., but its important to your futures and the future of our country. Many of you have debts from student loans -- its an investment that I expect you will find worthwhile. In the next few years, you may find it tempting to amass more debt, particularly from credit cards, on expenses that bring little long-term benefit. My advice to you is not to dig a financial hole that you cant get out of. Live within your means. And bear in mind that there are no shortcuts to the American Dream.
Your Furman degree will open the door to a wide variety of career options. One of the most noble paths you can take is a career in public service. I know you probably look the debates in Washington and in the political campaigns and conclude that public service isnt worth it. Thats a mistake. Ive had my fair share of critics, but no criticism can overcome the satisfaction of serving your fellow citizens and pursuing great goals for our nation. If you choose a career in public service, maintain the highest ethical standards, bring honor to whatever position you hold, and always put the people you serve ahead of yourself.
But public service is not just politics. It can include social work and teaching and careers in the non-profit sector. There are countless organizations across our country that devote themselves to improving the lives of others -- such as the American Red Cross, or Teach for America, or the Boys and Girls Clubs. These groups fulfill a noble mission and theyre a vital part of the responsibility society.
Others of you will make your careers in the private sector. If you choose this path, take pride in what you do and work hard and bring value to the enterprise you work for. And remember this: Our country needs corporate responsibility, as well as personal responsibility. So if you enter the business world, be honest with your shareholders, be truthful to your customers, and give back to the communities in which you live. And all of us have a responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. (Applause.)
Finally, a culture of responsibility means being accountable to your families and to yourself. I found family to be a source of great comfort and strength. When people talk about my family, they often say I inherited my dads eyes and my mothers mouth. (Laughter.) But I got far more from them than that. From my dad, I learned that a gentle soul can also be strong. From my mother, I saw the blessings of humor and honesty and unqualified love. And from the two of them, I got an inspiring example of how a strong marriage can carry you through any challenge. And what has carried me through the challenges in my life has been the love and support of a wonderful woman named Laura Bush. (Applause.)
My wish is that you find a partner in life who loves you, and challenges you and comforts you and gives your life meaning. And if you have the blessings of becoming a parent, I would like for you to remember that the most important job you will ever have is to love your child with all your heart. (Applause.)
In life theres going to be many temptations to distract you from your responsibilities. Popular culture can give you the impression that alcohol, drugs, or promiscuity can lead to fulfillment in life. Its an illusion, and I urge you to reject it.
If you do fall short, know that its never too late to recover and get back on the right track. There was a time in my life when alcohol competed for my affections, but I found salvation in my family and my faith. Theres no shame in recognizing your failings or getting help if you need it. The tragedy comes when we fail to take responsibility for our weaknesses and surrender to them.
And finally, you probably dont realize it, but youre role models for others in your life, whether its a little brother or sister who looks up to you, or someone else who admires you. Positive role models are greatly needed in this society. And I urge you to set a hopeful example by leading lives of character and integrity. And if you do, youll be proud of who you are; youll teach others around you that a life of responsibility leads to a life of fulfillment.
In all these ways, your generation has an opportunity to show how timeless values can be applied in a modern world. And as you do so, history offers noble examples to follow, including many from right here in South Carolina. From this state came a signer of the Declaration of Independence who lost his fortune fighting for our freedom, but never regretted the fight. From this state came the brave colonel who drew a line in the sand against oppressive rule at the old Spanish mission called the Alamo. And from this state came the child of slaves who was among the first black women to be an advisor to presidents.
And from this state came a young man who went off to serve his country in World War II. His last name was Smith, and it happens his first name was Furman. Private Furman Smith -- he never attended this school, but he grew up right down the road. While on duty in Italy, Private Smiths unit came under heavy fire. He fended off 80 enemy soldiers to defend his wounded buddies. He died at the age of 19, with his rifle still clutched in his hand. For the acts of courage and character that cost him his life, Furman Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor. Sixty-four years ago this very day, that young man carried the Furman name into history. And now, in a very different way, so will each of you. (Applause.)
May the values you learned here always guide your course. May you always make the right choices. And may you always look in the mirror, and be proud of what you see.
Congratulations. God bless you. (Applause.)
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