Graduation Speech in the Making

Graduating class of 2014, four years ago we took the road less traveled as our teachers repeatedly let us know. We entered these halls as strangers, uncertain of the opportunities that lie before us. We sat in the commons and participated in a graduation ceremony. Like many of you, I tried to understand why. Why were we practicing already? Before our teachers even knew who we were, they believed in us. They held that practice ceremony to help us make a promise to ourselves- the promise to graduate. Though a stressful roller coaster, we kept that promise.

Graduates take a second and reflect on your time at AACT. What do you see? Mr. Burge making us snap along to the gangs in West Side Story? Mrs. Lopategui becoming overly excited about dissections? Or Mr. Rossi sleeping as we took notes on an educational video? Whatever you envisioned, don't forget those memories. They shaped you into the person you are today.

We can reminisce about our high school experience all day. The community service, the late assignments, old friends, new friends, the PERSIAN packets, and leadership. But today we start a new chapter in our lives. Today we say good-bye to the walls that have become our home away from home. And if we thought high school was a crazy ride, we are in for a surprise. Believe it or not, we are all human. Mistakes are made. Dreams are changed. Friends come and go. This is what life is all about. Don't set a plan for yourself to the date and time. It may not pan out. Success comes from failure. So don't be afraid to fail once or twice. It may lead to your success. Rely on others and let others rely on you. Listen to your loved ones. They have learned from their mistakes and you may too. Finally, don't grow up too fast. As kids we have had this image that becoming an adult was the prize- driving, working, responsibility, and most importantly, independence. Many adults love their job; however, many lose themselves in their work. Don't lose yourself just to pay the bills. Have fun and enjoy your life. Life is a roller coaster so make it worthwhile.

No longer can we walk in to Mr. Burge's class late or hear Mr. Rossi's sarcastic lectures about us being communists, for we are the graduating class of 2014. Even though high school is ending, our life is just beginning. We are about to experience a life that we have been working so hard to enter. And even though I do not know where we will all end up, I do know that we will be successful. Congratulations to the class of 2014, we finally did it.