“I am honored to be here today to give this speech. Hi, mom, are you suprised that I’m the one giving this speech? If anyone here had known me from middle school they would also be surprised by this. During those years I was a terrible student, worst in my school’s program, and was barely getting through my classes. I never studied on my own, had to be encouraged by my teachers to do any homework, and barely understood what was being taught in my class. In sixth grade I went up to my history teacher to ask for extra credit, I was worried I was going to fail his class… And my parents told me to. He then told me there was nothing I could do, and I was just not good at history. I believed him. I eventually lost my dream that I would one day pursue a degree in engineering. Then I lost hope that I would ever graduate high school. Now, today I am here giving the Valedictorian speech. This transition wasn’t without its highs and its lows but I would like to thank a few people who have helped me through this transition. Thank you Mrs. Yeung for always being there for the me these last few years, showing me that my dream of engineering could still be achieved, and for being a shoulder to cry on. Thank you Mr. Wise for also having me as a student these past few years, challenging me to grow academically, and for your wisecracks. But, I’m not the only one here today that has grown throughout our time together, but instead everyone here today. Throughout the years we have had weddings, messy divorces, a fire, protests, and many more.

Each of these experiences have affected us in different ways. We are not the same people we were when we started at ACPA. Just as I hae struggled, stumbled, and changed-pushing thugh doubt to be today-everyone here has fought their own battles and has become a better person because of it. We cannot always control what happens to us, but it is the choices we make in response to these unexpected lessons that help us grow. Sometimes the path to growth is long and painful. It’s slow, uncertain, and often uncomfortable. But that is exactly why we need to lean into it. The struggle itself reshapes us in ways comfort never could. If we can find meaning in the effort, not just the end result, we give ourselves the chance to grow into something authentic, and entirely on our own. As we move forward I hope every single one of us modls their future with intention. Think of it as leveling up, not just as achievments, but who we are becoming. As we’ve now approached graduation, let this moment become a turning point. A reminder that growth often is dressed as a challenge, that uncertainty is not the enemy, but the path. We’ve spent four years learning facts, formulas, and ideas. But the most valuble lessons were the ones that taught us to think, how to care, and how to grow. So as we step forward, and our paths disconnect, carry this with you: you are not defined by the titles you earn or the applaus you receive, but by the depth of your effort, the courage of your choices, and the kindness you offer along the way.”