Life

The Delicate Balance Between Planning and Control

Abstract

Angela Montag-Jones addresses the Juniata Class of 2024 and guests in her commencement speech. Part of the class of 2001, Montag-Jones urges readers to embrace the predictable and unpredictable parts of life, and to welcome the unknown as unexpected opportunities. She adds, however, that we have some control, and by showing up, putting in effort, and being kind and respectful to others, the unexpected outcomes will be more likely in our favor. Employing the help of AI in brainstorming her speech, Montag-Jones uses it as a metaphor; like AI, she posits, the quality of input you put into your life affects the quality of output, although you can never be certain of the results.