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As a retired CIA officer, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my new life is engaging with the local community, particularly the schools where my children learn and play sports.
The journey toward freedom and opportunity in our nation hinges on a solid education.
Every year around this time, I have the privilege of speaking to high school seniors poised to embark on significant new adventures. When sharing my insights, I often reflect on the remarkable life of a man named Gib Smith, whose courage continues to inspire me.
I first encountered Gib in the late 1980s while we served as assistant swim coaches for the Capital Sea Devils, a team based in Washington, D.C. Our responsibilities included not just coaching but also participating in rigorous morning practices alongside older swimmers aged 12 to 18.
Gib, a talented swimmer who competed throughout high school and later at James Madison University, stood out as the fastest in the water. Even though he and I were both in our early twenties, his swimming skills left a lasting impression on me, particularly considering our own days of water polo and collegiate swimming were now behind us.
What made Gib’s achievements even more extraordinary was his battle against leukemia, which he faced shortly after earning his college degree. Despite enduring punishing treatment, he showed up daily for practice, often just a day after grueling cancer therapy.
His resilience served as a powerful source of motivation for all of us, including a young Tom Dolan, who, at just 12 years old, was starting to emerge as an exceptional distance swimmer. I still fondly recall teasing Tom, marveling at how Gib managed to excel in practice despite the challenges of his illness.
In 1988, Gib participated in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge swim race, raising an impressive $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute while fighting cancer. Through his actions, Gib thoroughly embodied the spirit of building an adventure.
Adventure often entails stepping outside one’s comfort zone, an especially daunting task for individuals battling cancer. For this reason, Gib’s journey serves as a poignant reminder for new graduates as they face a future that can feel intimidating.
Most graduates encounter adversities along their journeys, whether on the sports field or, in some unfortunate cases, through family trauma. Winston Churchill once advised, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” These words ring true as graduates prepare to carve out their paths.
As my former CIA boss, General David Petraeus, stated, Gib overcame challenges by remaining “fit to fight.” His commitment to swimming 6,000 yards each morning exemplified his determination to never give up.
Graduating students should also consider how they can contribute to their community, a nation, or even beyond. Gib not only thought compassionately about fellow cancer patients; he also inspired those around him.
Anyone feeling fatigued at the end of a swim practice needed only to glance at Gib, who was battling through pain with every ounce of his strength. His dedication made us all better swimmers and left a lasting impact on our lives. Even now, as I enjoy retirement, I often reflect on Gib and the powerful example he set.
As graduates stand on the cusp of major life decisions, they should be asking themselves a fundamental question: Why?
My friends from SEAL Team Six often remind me that Gib embodied the notion of planning and executing his life goals. He willingly swam through the challenging and jellyfish-infested waters of Chesapeake Bay because he chose to fight cancer and assist others facing similar battles. Approaching our own crucial decisions with honesty can inform the paths we take.
Despite cold waters and formidable currents, Gib completed the arduous two-hour, 4-5-mile race. He not only triumphed over cancer but also pursued a law degree, built a family, and watched his children grow up to embark upon their own adventures.
As these graduates prepare to venture into the future, let them draw inspiration from exemplary figures like Gib Smith. Their choices will shape the path of their life’s adventure.
