On the scientific scale of pain, job hunting normally falls somewhere between root canal and dropkicking tiny kittens. In an economy like this one, however, it’s closer to letting an English major perform open-heart surgery on your gaping chest without anesthesia. (And no, English majors, you are not going to qualify for jobs involving open-heart surgery. Try again.

For Washington University graduates, their families and their friends, Commencement is a wonderful time of celebration. You have worked hard and accomplished much during your time here. At the heart of every great University are its students, and I could not be more proud of all of you for your many contributions and achievements.

Each year as seniors in colleges and universities across the country prepare for the ceremony that puts a closure to their university careers, a little less than half of those will not graduate with their peers, according to a recent report.

You may be absorbed in the midst of recovering from your junior midterms, struggling through your writing intensive, and enjoying or preparing for your semester abroad, but—as difficult as it is to believe—hotel rooms for May 2011 are already filling up because of overzealous parents’ reservations. Believe it or not, it’s time for you to start thinking about Commencement speakers too.

Transcript of Wendy Kopp’s address at Washington University’s 2009 commencement ceremony, as prepared for delivery.

On Friday, May 15, 2009, 2,642 students received 2,765 degrees at the 148th Commencement ceremony.

Graduation is not until May, but it’s time for students to start a discussion of graduation speakers and honorary degrees. Washington University always begins the process of selecting a graduation speaker and honorary degree recipients far in advance of graduation, so if students want any part in the process, they need to get involved now.