I loved Jimmy's speech and so happy that Jennifer Arevalo received an award. She is a special and sweet girl and I wish her and all the 2019 grads the best.

> students drop their 'excellent facades,' urge vulnerability

This is OK in certain circles (i.e. among friends, family, significant others etc.) but not OK as a whole.

To broadcast one's vulnerability is a sign of weakness & will ensure that other less kind-hearted people will take advantage of & use those individuals who are professing their inherent weaknesses and/or ailments to others.

Leaders and aspiring leaders should never divulge their vulnerabilities to potential enemies.

Posted by Victims Of Circumstance, a resident of Barron Park

>> This is OK in certain circles (i.e. among friends, family, significant others etc.) but not OK as a whole.

That is your opinion, but, the student speakers disagree with you.

>> To broadcast one's vulnerability is a sign of weakness & will ensure that other less kind-hearted people will take advantage of & use those individuals who are professing their inherent weaknesses and/or ailments to others.

>> Leaders and aspiring leaders should never divulge their vulnerabilities to potential enemies.

Being willing to admit your vulnerabilities and weaknesses in public could also be a sign of growing inner strength. Please be willing to consider the point of view expressed by the speakers.

> Being willing to admit your vulnerabilities and weaknesses in public could also be a sign of growing inner strength.

^^^ Depends on the 'public' setting. All things considered, women as a rule do not respect a man who cries in public, perpetually whines or openly expresses his 'vulnerabilities'. And neither do most men.

Try blubbering in the military, at work or while leading the country & just see how far you get. A good way to empower your enemies.

Posted by Victims Of Circumstance, a resident of Barron Park

>> Try blubbering in the military, at work or while leading the country & just see how far you get. A good way to empower your enemies.

I understand the "suffer in silence" view, but, I also understand the contrary view. Note this, from an older scientific study:

"Psychiatric disorders were found to be quite common. Some 41.2% of the adult population under 65 had experienced at least one DSM-III-R disorder in their lifetime, among them 23.3% within the preceding year."

Web Link

Anxiety disorders of various types are the most common. A recent study gave the statistic at 33.7% of people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

Web Link

If 2 out of 5 of all people will suffer a serious disorder in their lifetime, and specifically, 1 out of 3 an anxiety disorder, I think serious consideration should be given to the notion that it is better to acknowledge these conditions rather than suppress discussion.

> If 2 out of 5 of all people will suffer a serious disorder in their lifetime, and specifically, 1 out of 3 an anxiety disorder, I think serious consideration should be given to the notion that it is better to acknowledge these conditions rather than suppress discussion.

^^^I agree with you 100% BUT there is a time & a place for the appropriate expression of this anxiety.

Besides, MOST people don't want to constantly hear about other people's personal problems & issues as they've got enough of their own. It can get old after awhile.

This is why one must have an appropriate audience & setting...not anywhere or anyone will suffice.