Groups of students, faculty, and family are seated in front of me. They wait in silence for me.

I have no idea what happened. Two minutes ago I was walking my dog around the park. But now I’m supposed to deliver a speech in front of the graduating class.

“Mrs. Rey? Your speech, the meaning of life?” A woman says as she tiptoes toward the podium.

“Oh, yes, sorry,” I say. I adjust the microphone and clear my throat.

Thousands of cap and gowns await my speech. They await something meaningful to give them motivation as they enter the next part of their lives.

“Hello. I was told that I needed to hurry up and give you your inspiring speech,” I say. My mind is searching for words or anything.

The crowd chuckles. I continue. “To be honest, I have no clue what to say, the meaning of life is so complicated. I didn’t go to college, I didn’t get the opportunity to study my interests. I never got to throw my cap with my peers. Yet, I don’t feel sad for myself. Because you know what, life doesn’t end once you leave college. Some would say that’s when it starts. So, as you walk out of here today, remember that you have so much ahead of you.”

My mind starts filling with thoughts, too much to get out.

“Look, life can suck sometimes and sometimes you’ll want to quit or take the easy way, and you can. It’s okay to take time to relax and it’s okay to quit. So many people burn themselves out because they want to do everything in a short amount of time. But listen carefully to this, life is short, yet, it is wonderful. But if you worry about how short life is and how much time you have left, you’ll forget how wonderful life is. So as you go into this new chapter and get your fancy jobs, remember that nothing is more important than your health and happiness. With that said, spend time with your family and friends. Go to that party, spend the whole night reading, watch that movie you’ve always wanted to see, take the jump and interview for your dream job. You’ve got this.”

The crowd erupts in clapping and celebration. I notice a few criers as well as confused faces.

Now that I think about it, Mrs Rey did go to college. Whatever, they seem happy.

The students yell and throw their caps up. I clap for them and smile, totally oblivious to the problem of being switched bodies. But YOLO I guess.