05/20/2026
It’s graduation season, and now a message from Charger, class of ‘17, who serves as “head of trail” and “chief sentinel”, who did not earn his stripes but was born with them.
Graduates, families, teachers—and anyone wondering how a tiger got the microphone—
Relax. I’m from CFAR. I’m supervised.
Mostly.
Today, you are stepping out of one enclosure and into a much bigger world. And I know something about that. At the Central Florida Animal Reserve, we tigers have stories. Some of us came from places where life was uncertain. Some of us had to learn trust. Some of us had to discover that safety, purpose, and dignity can still be built after a hard beginning.
So here is my advice.
First: know your stripes.
No two tigers wear the same pattern. Neither do you. Your gifts, scars, failures, weird jokes, late nights, and stubborn courage all belong to you. Do not spend your life trying to look like someone else. Your pattern is your power.
Second: move with patience—then pounce.
A tiger does not chase every noise in the grass. We watch. We learn. We wait for the right moment. Life will make you feel behind. You are not behind. You are preparing. When the moment comes, move like you mean it.
Third: do not roar at everything.
A roar matters because it is not constant. Use your voice when it counts: for truth, for kindness, for people who need help, and for the future you believe in.
Fourth: be fierce, not cruel.
Real strength is controlled. Real leadership protects. At CFAR, we know power is not about fear. It is about presence, purpose, and respect.
Finally: step forward.
The world ahead may feel wild. Good. You were not made for a small life. You made it through deadlines, doubts, exams, awkward group projects, and at least one printer that knew you were desperate.
So go.
Know your stripes.
Trust your training.
Choose your path.
Roar when it matters.
And when life feels uncertain, remember this:
A tiger does not need to see the whole trail.
Only the next brave step.
Congratulations, graduates.
Now walk like you were born with stripes.
