With commencement exercises happening these days all over the world, today is a good time to write again about the Graduation Pledge Alliance. Nearly 150 colleges and universities and some high schools in North America and Asia have in recent years made "The Graduation Pledge" an important part of their graduation rituals.

The wording of the Graduation Pledge is as follows: "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider, and will try to improve these aspects of any organization for which I work."

I like the upbeat spirit of the Pledge. Graduates should be optimistic that they can make a difference in our world. Most jobs are full of opportunities that even young people can seize to advance either good or evil in our world.

Exploitation of others, unfair labor practices, racism, exaggerated claims in advertising or reporting that distorts truth: these are among the shadows we see around us. By taking the Pledge as they enter the job market, students are saying, "Hey, I don't want to be a part of the bad that's out there. I want to be a part of the good. I can be a candle in the darkness if I open my eyes and think a little."