HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - My graduation speech

SPEECH FROM STUDENT –  2017 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

I am Marvela Ester from 12 B and I am truly honored to stand here, representing the class of 2017.

 “Storms make trees take deeper roots”

I believe that no one amongst us has never experienced what we call hard times. If someone asks me what my hard time was, I would honestly answer, “When I entered high school”. Yes, my first year of high school in (my school) was one of the strongest storms that I’ve ever encountered. I was shocked by the Seatwork galore, the high expectation of English fluency, the new and intimidating school environment not to mention many more overwhelming burdens. I was scared, I was nervous, I was anxious, and I was full of worries. I still remember the time, in early days of grade 10, when I burst into tears, complaining to my parents that I disliked my new school with its entirely foreign environment. As I seemed so desperate and stressed, my parents offered me two options, both of which I could have freely chosen. Firstly, I could leave (my school) and move to another school, which seemed to be the more simple  solution  - to “escape” from my problem. Or secondly, I could try to study and adjust to (my school) for at least one semester.  Knowing that I should face-up to the challenge, that giving up would be too easy,  I chose the second option.

As I expected, the first semester of school was, as I predicted, not easy. Mercifully, as time passed, I became used to the routine of my new school. With God’s help, support from my teachers and parents - and my lovely new classmates!  -  plus the endless prayer I was able to pull through the difficult times. I voluntarily sacrificed many of my weekends to study, google translate-d every word in my textbook so that I could understand it, and summarise the text to my understanding.

The time went by so fast that I completed grade 10 before I knew it.  Then I finished grade 11. And now, amazingly, I’m standing here in front of my wonderful fellow graduates, proudly ready to say good bye to high school.

Friends, I believe that each of us have our hard times. But look at us now. In spite of the struggles, mistakes, difficulties, heartbreak, tears, and failure - we have come through and now stand here ready to graduate. That is an awesome thing to do, and I would like to give big congratulations to all of us. Let’s give ourselves a big round of applause.

***

We did not run away from the hard times,  from our problems. Instead we confronted them and used them to help us grow into stronger, more independent people. We  have worked hard to reach this point; but of course, we couldn’t have made it to this exciting moment alone.

Therefore, let us express our deepest gratitude. Firstly to our God, thanking Him because all things are possible through God who strengthens us.  Secondly, thanks to our parents who love us unconditionally. Thank you for your uncountable prayers and the thousands of ways you have encouraged and supported us on our journey. To our teachers and advisors, thank you for your guidance and for not giving up on us. Thank you for believing in us, and pushing us so that we could realise our true potential. Thank you to our school, (my school name), for being our second home. The learning that we have experienced here has shaped us, day by day, into better people. To those who have supported us through these years of our life, we thank you. Without you, we would not be the individuals who stand before you today.

Graduates,

As we know, after today, some of us will be looking forward to the challenge of A-level exams, undergoing internships, and  preparing for entry into university. Each of us will travel our own path, pursuing our passions, goals, and dreams.  But friends, please remember that life is not about the destination, it is about the journey. Indeed, we must have dreams as we strive for success. But, keep in mind that achieving success is not just about having lots of money or endless recognition. It is also about giving happiness and hope and touching the lives of the people that we meet on life’s journey. Is it not more satisfying if the success we aim for is the kind of success that propels us to better versions of ourselves?  

Friends,

Whatever happens, always remember to count your blessings, be grateful, and do your best in all things with a smile.  We ourselves, not other people,  are responsible for own happiness. It is we who shape our own happiness in every stuation. Worrying and complaining will not help us solve our problems. So, “let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.”

Class of 2017,

Believe it or not, we will miss high school. What will we miss? The people. I will miss my friends the most. The people I know – whether it be casually or in a close way – are what make school great. The everlasting memories that I have of high school are great because of the people with whom I share those moments. Field trips, competitions, sports, games, even the struggle of school assignments and projects, would mean nothing if those special people were not around to share them.

It’s always good to remember where you come from and who you represent. Leaving this school does not mean that we are no longer part of the school’s family. We are one batch, one family. Together, we have experienced both wonderful and not-so-wonderful times.

A famous quote tells us: “Family are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”

To our incredible friends, thank you for being here through all the ups and downs. You certainly are the main reason why we will miss high school.

So, let’s wish all the best to each and every one of us, may we become lifelong friends.

Today we will all have a blast because there’ll be no more school demerits (THEN SMILE)

Do your best and God bless every one of us.

Congratulations class of 2017, we did it!

Thank you.