Never Giving up on a Dream

We are graduating! Administrators, professors, parents and friends, thank you for coming to share and witness this moment with us. Welcome.

Walking into these halls, four years ago, this day seemed so far to even think about, but we did not give up on our dreams. Each and every one of us, Four years ago, walked into these halls not knowing how high school would turn out to be. Very nervous freshmen, four years ago but, today, we walk out of these same halls with skills and experience.

I would like to thank the teachers, administration and all school staff. I would like to give special thanks to my Dad, for all the encouragement and support. This day has come to be because of your encouraging words, telling me that I can make it. I couldn’t ask a better Dad. God bless you.

Four years have been long, whenever we had pressure to present our term papers and assignments, but it also feels like it’s been a short time, a time spent with friends. I cannot forget this awesome group of students who are also my friends. I couldn’t ask for better schoolmates and especially the class graduating today.

Teamwork has brought us this far, sharing our ideas and looking out for each other. As we go out there I wish that the support and teamwork we had in our work will go out there with each one of us. To all the new people we meet; may they see the difference in how we work. Surely, the teamwork and effort proved that we can achieve much more when we work as a team.

We did not only get knowledge but the school, through its diversity, provided us the chance to interact with people from all walks of life. We have learned to appreciate people’s diversity, in their beliefs and culture. High school has surely served its purpose; it has prepared us to be responsible and hardworking citizens and, for this, I could not thank you enough.

I learnt that I can use my energy elsewhere. Rather than being the noisiest in class, I joined the school choir, where I was allowed to make musical noise. Extra-curricular activities have given me, and I believe most of us, the chance to interact and meet with students from other schools. I didn’t know that singing could be so much fun; I will surely miss singing in the school choir. I hope you find a tenor voice as good as mine.

Allow me to quote Steve Jobs: “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others opinions drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition”. Believe in yourself and go for your passion. We all have an idea of what we want to do in life and the careers to pursue. Don’t let anyone change your passion and desire; believe in yourself and you will make it in life.

As we leave what we don’t need behind and get our yearbooks signed, remember that the world needs you. Let us stay together as a team and build a big network for future benefits.

Congratulations! We made it!

References
Romo, H. & Falbo, T. (1996). Latino high school graduation: defying the odds. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Farrell, J. & Rush, C. (2001). High school, the real deal: from GPAs to graduation. New York: Harper Trophy.
Vries, M. F. (1999). The graduation speech. Fontainebleau: INSEAD.
Kuhn, W. & Emmetsburg, M. (1837). Speech pronounced by William Kuhn of Philadelphia on the occasion of his graduation at Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmetsburg, June 29th, 1837. Baltimore: Murphy & Spalding, printers.