I’ve always wanted to give a graduation speech.

Probably because I don’t remember a word of the wisdom that was shared at the three ceremonies where I decked out in gown and precariously balanced cap to receive a diploma cover and a handshake.

My apologies to those speakers, who I’m sure offered lofty and inspiring messages about having miles to go, mountains to climb and boundless horizons to explore.

I know you graduates here today will pay more attention. You’ve spent the last four years — or six, or eight, as the case may be — learning to gather and store important information until you need it most.

So, please put your cellphones on silent and turn on the “record” function.

What they don’t tell you about graduation is that they’re kicking you out before you get too comfortable — and right when you have just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

But you’ll find that whatever they hand you when your name’s called, it won’t include a game plan, an instruction manual or anything else that will tell you what happens next.

For better or worse, that’s up to you. So here are just three reminders that I hope will help.

1. Be fair.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” remains the finest available prescription for living.

Whether you follow it because you believe in God or simply because you believe in basic decency, follow it and nobody will get hurt.

Well, at least you’ll be able to minimize conflict, play well with others and make someone’s day better.

Those things sound simple, but they aren’t simplistic; they’re vital to organized society.

Following the Golden Rule won’t be easy when the me-first jerk in the other car is weaving hazardously through traffic with a rude salute for other drivers. When the runny-nosed kid is touching every last cereal box in the store while clueless parents stand by gossiping. When your company’s honchos pink-slip you while pocketing mega-bonuses. When the doofus in that other party tries to pass an inane bill that will only cost you more of your hard-earned money. When you’re asked to care for or care about the least among us.

But try to be humble–remember that every one of us was born a naked, helpless baby, full of hope and potential.

Just because some of us haven’t progressed far beyond that is no reason to be ugly to others.

Justice, mercy and fairness will solve more of the world’s problems than their opposites would.

2. Take responsibility.

Do NOT leave poopy baby diapers in the middle of a parking lot because you’re too lazy to find a garbage can. Do NOT skip on your income taxes because you’re such a busy hot-shot that you don’t have time for basic obligations of citizenship.

Have the courage to tell the truth when you screw up and accept the consequences, whatever they are. You learn the most from difficult experiences that test you, even if you can’t see that until much later.

Only beget children if you intend to feed, clothe, shelter and nurture them. They are an awesome charge, and they’ll need and deserve your full commitment.

Remember George Bailey. (Who? Go look him up.) Understand that you are only a speck in the universe but whatever you do — for good or ill — resonates far, wide and long. Use your opportunities not just for personal gain but to benefit others who have not been blessed as you have.

3. Dream big.

They call this occasion “commencement” because it really is a beginning.

You might have discovered your talents already, or maybe you have yet to realize them.

Work toward your goals, but be prepared to shift gears, readjust your sights and explore new possibilities.

You’ve already heard it a hundred times: Life is not fair. It will throw you wicked curves, smack you in the shins, sucker-punch you in the gut, leave you in tears.

But don’t be deterred. Along the journey, you’ll also find unexpected triumphs, invaluable detours, surprising fulfillment and unimaginable joys.

Be happy.

Oh, and one last motherly plea: Be careful out there.